We traveled back in time to experience early Spring again with glacial lilies in a carpet of gold across alpine slopes. The Cascade peaks are calling, and panoramas abound as we ascend into the sky on Evergreen Mountain. These vistas were inaccessible for several years after a landslide blocked the forest road. During the Bolt Creek fire in September, 2022, the forest service cleared the road to regain access to the fire lookout atop Evergreen Mountain, so this summer, 2023, we scouted the roads and drove a full hour off the main highway up narrow washouts, across creeks, and into some truly scenic territory in The Central Cascades.
The trail was only 2.5 mile round trip, but the 1,400′ elevation gain starting from over 4,000′- so we were breathing hard by the end of the climb. There are several steep ascents, but at each turn, the views astound, and if you want to sit and rest, there are very accommodating old growth forests with shade and level ground along the way. What we found towards the top of the climb was a welcome sight, but added challenge, as snow pack was still present on the north side of the peak. Valley had a blast leaping into the soft cool belly slid, and enjoyed some acrobatic feats- after we made sure there was plenty of soft heather landing below.
Early summer snow pack is a good sign at this elevation, but the hot weather is still melting winter away, and fire season fast approaches. From our vantage point, we could look down into Beckler River Valley, and see the south edge of Bolt Creek Fire along the hillside. This fire burned thousands of acres, and recovery will take time, but the overall look of the landscape is greening back fast, and new seedlings of all verities of plants and trees are germinating with gusto. Even in the picture below, it takes a moment to really see where the burn scars are, but as you look, you’ll see very bare spots with no trees, in a grey splotch center frame, valley right, below the center snow covered peaks far in the distance. There is still great concern over further landslides, a map below links to current county updates on this habitat and what’s being done to mitigate and restore.
Atop Evergreen Peak, the stunning 360 views of our beloved Cascade Mountains brought thrills and chills. We were exposed, high atop a rocky ledge, but the climb and vertigo were worth it to enjoy such splendor. This summer exploration into the mountains is a big slice off why we love living in Western Washington. The Wild Sky Wilderness and surrounding Snoqualmie-Baker National Forest hold endless natural wonder, and fond floral and fauna to learn from and enjoy. We were serenaded by grouse, beautified by wildflower wonder, and refreshed by cool mountain breezes. The sunny morning and elevated energy of these wild peaks sends us home with a song in our hearts as we give thanks for this opportunity to commune with mother nature and her great gifts.
EEC Forest Stewardship 