[kiryfly]

I had the chance to do Sourdough Mountain recently, and since that is one that's been on my list to do, I took the chance. I was really glad I did so as well. I got to the trailhead around 9:00 am. It took me some time to find the trailhead, but luckily some local guys pointed me to the swimming pool, which the trailhead was behind. The first two miles were strenuous, but not nearly as exhausting as I was expecting. As I climbed higher, the fog lifted, which got me hopeful for blue skies later on.

Sourdough Mountain

Sourdough Mountain

After reaching the North Cascade boundary sign, the trail got a lot more gentle. And the views started popping out.

Sourdough Mountain

Sourdough Mountain

Eventually, you start traveling across, and I met the only other person I saw on that hike. He had saw a bear pretty close by, but I decided to continue on. Luckily enough, no sign of the bear anytime while I was up there. Soon after that, I saw the lookout in the distance.

Sourdough Mountain

That got me geared up, and I reached the top shortly. And then stopped dead with all the pretty mountains in front of me.

Sourdough Mountain

Sourdough Mountain

Sourdough Mountain

Sourdough Mountain

Sourdough Mountain

Sourdough Mountain

Sourdough Mountain

Sourdough Mountain

Sourdough Mountain

Sourdough Mountain

Sourdough Mountain

Reluctantly, I headed back down. It was a long slog back down, and very tough on the knees. First hike I've done where I actually felt it in my knees, especially the last two miles. It was a great day, though, and special for how deserted the hike was.

[Sabahsboy]

kiryfly, you did well. That is a long slog. Now completed, I bet you want more of it? The views are terrific and it is worthwhile an overnight, complete with Milky Way. Last times there I watched Norther Lights dance over the North Cascades to Canada! The route to the upland portion is really worth the travel. You encounter tarns and endless photogenic possibilities. You can keep going and going. Of course, the route does reach something of a climb (down). I recommend camping on that ridge place where a larger tarn would provide water for filtering and boiling plus reflections and gazing. The side path (was) a bit hard to find but is actually at the top of the stepp, top portion of trail and you simply push into the brush and find the "trail", a usually easy going way trail. It has been many, many years since I went there, but I still cherish the memories.

[Hulksmash]

Sourdough mtn, and Stetattle Creek trail head are located in some bizzar spots. What other national park trail heads are located behind a shed, and a swimming pool oh and....that view is amazing

[kiryfly]

I actually thought of that idea when I was climbing up there. I passed the turnoff to the camping spot around the creek. It sounds like it would be a great time. I'll definitely have to keep that in mind for backpacking trips. I bet the sunrise would be gorgeous there.

[Dayhike Mike]

Nice! That's definitely a haul, but the views are certainly worth it. Looks like you didn't have to deal with too much snow on the route up. I'm a little surprised, but I guess it makes sense...we haven't had any really rainy weather lately to accompany the cold temps.