[Distel32]

Certainly lucked out with the weather; had a glorious day by ourselves up, and down, the valley. Full photo set on my blog. There are 15+ blowdowns between the trailhead and the top of the switchbacks above Skagit Queen Camp, with only three requiring any work: two very large ones which need to be climbed over and one group of four or five 10-12" trees that can be walked around. The trail is snow free until ~4200' (at the top of the switchbacks above Skagit Queen). Expect consistent soft and melting snow from there all the way through the basin (18-24" and melting fast; lots of postholing over rocks and brush). On the way up we crossed Thunder Creek early, however we followed the trail on the west side on the way back, which probably was quicker and a little more straightforward.

[mbravenboer]

Very nice! 34 miles with postholing sections ... My legs hurt just thinking of it. Love the big cornices and the fresh snow deep in the valley! I might have to try the 'dive' posthole technique demonstrated on your blog. I can see how this could work well, spreading the weight nicely .

[Distel32]

Thanks MB; yes, those cornices are going to be quite a show coming down!

[wildernessed]

All of it worth views like this...