What a fabulous day.
Road is definitely open. Didn't see any fire vehicles at all. Fire appears to be out. Can see black areas off the road about 5 miles or so up the road.
Got to the parking lot at 08:45 and it was full. Had to park up the road. Cars were parked way down the road when I returned. I will say the road (except for the last mile) is is pristine condition. No potholes... The last mile has some washouts/bumps. Just be careful.
Tomorrow should be a great day to head up and still get the snow effect. Especially if you go early I'd recommend microspikes for the slick areas. Just get there early unless you want to be parking on the road.
Looking down road.
Snow started pretty much at the parking lot. I put on microspikes. There were some slick spots. Was glad I had them.
Lots of hikers today.
Color in the snow.
Longs Pass junction. Not well traveled.
A bit icy.
Some views heading up.
Clouds over Rainier.
Finally got up to the pass. The snow and larch contrast was very pretty.
Larches in Headlight Basin.
Larches in Headlight Basin.
I was going to bag going to the lake but decided to do it. A nice boot trench in the snow. I used microspikes. Some were going sans traction. It slushed up more as the day went on.
Needles starting to fall.
UFO cloud.
Finally hit the lake. Probably 50 people in the area. Wind blew enough to be annoying.
First view of Ingalls Lake.
Ingalls Lake.
Ingalls Lake.
Ingalls Lake.
Me at Ingalls Lake.
I found a spot out of the wind for lunch, ate and headed back down.
Poles in holes...
A bit down saw some goats. Unlike in the Olympics these weren't aggressive at all and hung near the trail.
Goats on way down.
Goats on way down.
Goats on way down.
Goats on way down.
Goats on way down.
Goats on way down.
Goats on way down.
The rest of the trip was uneventful. Snow was melting on the trail. I suspect in a couple of days as it warms up even more it will be all gone, at least below the pass.
Trail melting out.
Fall color.
Got back to the trailhead just after 4PM, packed up and headed out again on the nice smooth road.
Open.
The last mile has a couple of what it looks like were recently repaired (somewhat) washouts. They recommend high clearance, but I saw a few regular cars at the trailhead. Most were SUV,pickups.
If I still had my Maxima I would have made it. Just go slow. I did see a Prius at the trailihead....
On another note if you don t go early you will probably be parking at the Iron Mountain trailhead anyway... lol.... There were cars parked really far down the road when I left around 4PM.
Again!? Another sighting!?
I'm getting super jealous! The elusive Prius!? And right there in the parking lot!?
For me, it's like missing out on a cougar or wolverine sighting.
You Lucky Folks!
I guess I need start paying more attention.
Hopefully my day will come... Sigh
( Just Razz'n and couldn't resist )
Happy Hiking
Experience is what'cha get, when you get what'cha don't want
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Experience is what'cha get, when you get what'cha don't want
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