On Saturday, a friend reached out and asked “Planning on doing the Snow Lake trail on Sunday, would you like to join?”
I checked the Washington Trails Association entry for that hike: 7.2 miles round trip. 1800 feet of elevation gain.
It’s… been a hot minute since I hiked regularly, and I’m not as fit as I was then, but this seemed like it might be do-able (just). Also, taking my camera up to a lake in the aptly named Alpine Lakes Wilderness? Natural beauty is a motivator for me, always. I like to say it’s my eyes that are taking a hike, and the rest of me is just along for the ride. 😛 Exercise is thus a happy side effect.
So I said yes, and off we went on Sunday. It was, indeed, just doable for me where I am right now. I definitely feel, today, like I Did a Thing.
And it was worth it, even with the clouds. In fact, I like locations like this just as much in the clouds as I do in sun. When the clouds are at the right height and you can see them interacting with the mountains. Ridges and trees shrouded in mist? Yes, please. That’s something that always says “Pacific Northwest” to me, and is a reason I love living here.
Gear: Nikon Z7 II, Nikon Z 24-70mm f2.8 S
