We are getting way too spoiled...the weather has been FANTASTIC! Even though it is now fall, the "summer" weather is still holding on each day in Western Washington. Friday was cool and overcast, and we thought for sure..."this is it!". And Saturday morning was a bit drizzly, cloudy, and cool -- but then Saturday evening things started to turn around quickly. The clouds all left the area and clear blue sky took over, and it held into today. Additionally the sun was out warming things up nicely. The high was only the upper 60's, maybe 70 degrees -- but once again picture perfect. That being said, we decided to try and hike to another mountain lake. This time, our destination was Dorothy Lake -- a mountain lake in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, near Skykomish, WA.
The trailhead signs were very informative...
The first deep little pool on our way up...
Kristina and Indy posing for a scenic shot.
A perfect little swimming hole...
Jared and Indy striking a pose...
Jared and Indy hiking up the trail. There were lots of steps along the trail; the steps were mostly to avoid swampy areas...not just to go up. The trail didn't change in altitude as much as expected for a mountain lake, and to get to the lake was just under 2 miles.
Overall, the trail was very well kept and very nice. Scenery was awesome. There were many old growth trees all around the trail, water could be heard most of the hike, and there wasn't a lot of congestion on the trail. It probably didn't hurt that it was a sunny, clear day with no wind.
After arriving at the lake, if you are done hiking, choose the outlet spur. It will take you down to the lake right away and there are several nice spots to rest and have a snack or lunch or whatever. We chose this way today -- not on purpose, we didn't know which way we wanted to go since it was our first time.
It is a bit hazy from all of the wildfires in Eastern Washington, but even with the haze, you can see that the lake is spectacular. And, if you choose the other path, you can hike for 2 more miles to the other end of the lake. There are many campgrounds along the way and once again, it is a very scenic trail.
And here's Indy after the swim. She is so funny; she knows when there is water at the end of the hike and she absolutely goes crazy until she can jump into the lake and submerse.
It was a great day...
