[.]

[jenjen]

Isn't that a pretty area? Not many folks get in there. And, yes, Damfino lakes is an absolute bug nightmare at times. It's the spot black flies gather to plan their attacks through the rest of the Cascades.

[Yana]

jenjen - yes, very pretty. I am surprised at the lack of visitors, especially where we were. There were actually quite a lot of cars at the trailhead, but it seems that most visitors hike toward Excelsior Pass. Hey PiB, where's the Ice Cream "truck" photo? We began the day with a visit to Safeway, because everyone needs pickles, especially this kind.

Pickles

Here's an exciting sign. We went right, though by the guidebook description, it seems like left is also a good choice for views.

Intersection

This area was described as a swampy cleft in the 100 hikes book.

Swampy cleft

Past the swampy cleft, the trail tosses you into some outrageous flower fields. PiB was insistent that there should be a bear somewhere around here, but we never saw one. It may have been swallowed by the vegetation.

Stream and meadow

Stream

Peaks

Hillside

Lily

Flower profusion

The trail traverses meadows well below some cliffs, dives back into forest momentarily, and then spits you out on a ridge with an intersection. If you go right, you are heading toward Canada. For the love of Bob, don't do it! Also, this way is downhill and less views. Instead, turn left toward pt. 5658 and better views.

Mt. Baker

Up up up...

Janet at the high point, Canada looms behind

Canadian and American Border peaks

We enjoyed the views from above and speculated about the unfortunate looking pallor of the sky over Mt. Shuksan until the mosquitoes drove us back downhill. We made the short detour to swampy Damfino Lakes before retreating to the car.

Janet gazes at Tomyhoi, American Border, and Canadian Border peaks on the way down from Pt. 5658

Mothra

Hikers at Damfino Lake

Damfino "Lake"

Thanks for the trip, PiB!

[Quark]

There's a sign up there that reads, "Boundry Trail." I'm surprised Yana didn't see it! I recall that it's near the trailhead.

[Stefan]

never thought this place would be good for meadows. I was wrong! love those pickles....and the ice cream van!

[SonicD]

Are there any good places to camp overnight up there with access to water?