[Ingunn]

I've wanted to visit Sahale since I first started hiking, but it just never seemed to happen since we can't bring the dogs up there. This was my first time actually hiking on a trail inside North Cascades National Park! Anyhoo, I saw that Janelle and Jessie were planning a trip, and managed to finagle my way into the group. We were concerned about getting a permit, so when I saw on Facebook that Tony was driving up the night before to secure his camping permit, I called him to hear if he wanted company. Luckily he did, and he scored the last permit for our group. Phew! Thanks again, Tony! At the trailhead, we ran into Yana, Gabriel, and Lindsay, who were about to start the Ptarmigan Traverse (crossing my fingers that the thunderstorms in the forecast never materialize). I was especially excited to meet Lindsay for the first time, since we both carry the same (sort of) mascot.

Trailhead views

Tiny Mukmuk and Obese Mukmuk finally cross paths.

Those little dots on the snow are Yana, Lindsay, and Gabriel on the start of their journey.

The hike, oh the hike was just beautiful (except for those might-as-well-be-flat switchbacks). Amazing views in every direction - the American Alps indeed.

All smiles

And we haven't even made it to the "good part" yet!

Tony takes in the views

Doubtful Lake

Janelle on trail

Janelle hiking up Sahale Arm

Smells so good.

The best campsites were taken and some were still under snow, so Tony and I shared a tiny but cute little spot that just fit our two tents, while Janelle and Jessie made do with two rocky sites farther down. The wind kept us all up at various points during the night, but all in all I got a decent night's sleep before waking up at 5 AM for sunrise. Aaah!

Not our campsite, but oooh!

Sunset

Sunrise from my tent

Tents in the morning

Glacier Peak and Mount Rainier

Boys are lazy

Next up was breakfast and a wonderful cup of coffee, which naturally led to a visit to THE MOST GLORIOUS TOILET OF ALL TIME. This toilet alone is worth the hike.

Happiness is

Toward Stehekin

Loo with a view

It was hard to leave such a beautimous place, but I know I'll be back. This one is worth getting a dogsitter!

Good morrow!

Mukmuk looking for marmot cousins

Marmot gives me the stinkeye

Me and the Arm

Jessie

Wandering through the meadow

Mama ptarmigan

Scruffy McGoat

Goats and Hidden Lake Peaks

Goats with a decent backdrop

Mama and kid

Goats and glaciers

Back to Cascade Pass we go

Homeward bound

Happy Tony

Pika-boo

[Ingunn]

It was nice to run into you, Boot Up! Glad the goats stuck around for you.

[Jim Dockery]

Wow, you really luck out on finding the wildlife, and then take advantage getting great shots I love the cute pika.

[mhlSilverdale]

Incredible photography; my favorites are the baby goat, the marmot cocking its head and the moon shot looks like it came from NASA. So many good photos, I start to become jaded; I have to go back and revisit the post to appreciate all the photos.

[alpinenic]

Awesome Pictures HikingQueen! Nice meeting you up there! Good luck raising $ in the Hikathon!

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[Hikingqueen]

Hey Nic! Thank you so much for your HUGE donation! I was so jealous of those chairs! Welcome to the nwhikers, i look forward to lots more TR's from you!

[Ingunn]

Welcome to the site, Nic!

[alpinenic]

You're welcome, Janelle! It's a good cause, and I appreciate your dedication! How many miles will you actually try to log for this month? Where all are you going? Here is one more Sahale photo that I thought was pretty cute!

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[alpinenic]

Thanks Ingunn! Maybe we'll meet again on the trail somewhere! Maybe Jessie and Ray will bump into each other at QFC! (with a little help from their mutual friend, Howard!)

[Ingunn]

[Pikawhisperer]

Hey Nic! It was great to meet you up there! The pictures you took with my camera turned out amazing! 2 of my favorites from that trip. Hope you enjoy this forum...lots of good info here BTW...love the marmot pic

[bobbi]

that's it! next summer (or this autumn-the colors should be good then) YOU and i are going to do this hike or overnighter! it's one of the places in the cascades that i want to visit and explore! what a great hiking group! awesome photos as always!

[Go Jo]

So many great photos I had to peruse this thread twice before chiming in with and an extra because, let's face it, we could all use an extra opposable thumb now and again