mt baker recreation area

Feathered Dust

I was exploring the snowy landscape of Mt. Baker Wilderness last week right after a fresh storm had dumped a few inches of snow. I had attempted to hike up in the dead of the night to catch a sunrise, but it was not as spectacular as I had hoped. The saving grace was observing the motion of snow as the gusts of wind picked it up and blew it around like sand.

Mt Baker Wilderness
WA USA

Winter Home

Who wouldn't want to snuggle up to a mountain-top cabin like this one nestled in the winter wonderland of the North Cascades? One of the perks of hitting the snow-capped slopes here so early is being witness to pristine virgin scenes in the blue morning light. The hordes came shortly thereafter, and a few hours, this area had lost its virginity.

Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest
WA USA

The Beginning of Summer

While the Pacific Northwest is already in the binds of fall with cooler temperatures and shorter days, I still remember the beginning of summer as though it was yesterday. During one of the early heat waves, I made it out to this famed reflection of Mt Shuksan before it lost its coat of snow and ice later in the summer. Walking around in balmy 60 degree weather at sunrise, when it would have normally been close to freezing, was surreal

Mt Baker Snoqualmie National Forest
WA USA

This is the Pacific Northwest

As the temperatures finally start warming, and the daylight hours extend to the better side of bearability, I can finally start planning for the summer hiking season. Though short, the four month window of summer is the main reason that I put up through the drudgery that is the long and gloomy winter. Endless mountains ranges dotted by glacier-capped volcanoes, breathtaking scenery with innumerable hidden hiking destinations, and glistening lakes surrounded by swaths of wildflowers, all make the summer a refreshing escape for the mind and a rejuvenating experience for the soul.

I can't wait to get out again.

Mt Baker Snoqualmie National Forest

WA USA