[furthur]

Now that the east link of the Mtn Loop is open to cars, we less-motivated schleppers can motor deeper into Glacier Peak territory. The first northward turnoff from Barlow is 4080, at 3.5 miles. Less than a mile upward parks us at the Elliot Creek TH. Snow free and well booted, the upper road is lush but dull, though aged cedars, alder groves, and pale lavender bleeding hearts will prompt some pix. After a few easy miles, the inevitable rise begins into a brown forest. Elliot Creek gets raucous, and soon there are peeks of whitewater cascading over boulders and logs. And then, the impressive crest of the waterfall is at our feet, and we think maybe this isn't such a bore after all. Plus, we've arrived at the lake! Rows of earlier-birds perch on the first lakeside logs, so we trek on in search of the illusion of solitude. Mid-lake offers a lunch spot, then a decision to explore on further east.

Despite the narrow, slippery, duck-your-head path, pushing to the waterfalls is this hike's highlight. Even the hellebore field is enchanting, and soon the columbine will be thickly blooming. The twin falls are energizing, and irresistable to B and Y, who scramble up the second falls to stand beneath the first. Meanwhile, the mad Bulgarian wades tentatively (and loudly) into the lake, though his "mind over matter" mantra can not hypnotize him into his customary swim.

Heading back, we opt for the Lower Elliot trail, by far more entertaining. The blowdown angels have cleared the arboreal obstacles, and the way is clearly seen. The loop haze clears and yellow sun paints the forest. After a mile or so, the trail winds above the crashing creek until it turns up and links with the high road (unsigned) about a quarter mile from the TH.

Though not a strenuous day, we still recarb at amiable Playa Bonita in GFalls.

Yellow Violets Far more taxing was figuring out not only how to work the nikon but also how to feed its pix into this report. Cheers from a hopelessly 60's kinda gal.

[Quark]

I enjoyed your trip report; extract pics from Nikon, please. There are never too many pics of the lower trail