They brought their energetic 9-month-old puppy along for his first real hike also.
Due to his age they were worried about the distance so we limited the trip to visiting the Railroad Grade instead of the Park Butte Lookout.
Round Trip for our route was almost exactly 6 miles and just shy of 1,800 feet of elevation gain.
The 'Railroad Grade' trail is a great trail because of its varied terrain and fantastic mountain views. Here is a short video of what hikers see as they first gain the 'Railroad Grade':
We also crossed paths with Slugman and Daisy the Wonder Dog. It was great to meet you Slugman and we hope you had a comfortable night on the mountain.
Fresh dusting of early season snow on the Black Buttes:
Twisted & Downed Tree:
View of Survey Point from the switchbacks along the trail:
Remains of snow from earlier this week:
Rudy & his Rude Roo Bag, pretending his 'stuff' doesn't stink:
Crater & Steam on Mt. Baker:
Approaching Railroad Grade, with Black Buttes in the distance:
Zoomed View of Park Butte Lookout from the Railroad Grade Trail (we were about 1 mile as the crow flies from the lookout when we reached the Railroad Grade):
The Black Buttes are the internal remains of a volcano that was larger than Mt. Baker (so I hear):
View of Cathedral Crag from the RR Grade Trail:
Railroad Grade Trail follows a Lateral Morraine up to the Easton Glacier on Mt. Baker:
Looking back toward the Park Butte Lookout (atop the ridge, about 1 mile as the crow flies):
Rudy watching a Robber Jay eat his lunch:
Back into Upper Schriebers Meadow:
A point of the Black Buttes:
More of the Black Buttes (did you say "enough already"?)
I'm really glad that my brother-in-law drove today because when we returned home we found that my car had a flat tire.
Thanks everyone for making this another enjoyable and memorable day in the North Cascades!
My next outing is scheduled for Saturday, November 15, 2008.
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