The weather report seemed to indicate that this might be the last really nice day for awhile, and I had been working Saturdays for a few weeks, so I decided to get out and take a nice long hike. As it turned out, I did a little more than my knees really wanted me to do, but it was a beautiful day and a beautiful hike. The trail I selected is a portion of the Pacific Crest Trail. The hike starts near Snoqualmie Pass Summit, just north of Interstate 90.

The trail is good and does not have any particularly steep parts, a definte plus for my knees. After a mile or two in the forest, you begin to catch a view to the south. Soon you enter the Alpine Lakes Wilderness and Red Mountain is seen to the north. The view to the south opens more as you climb, and Interstate 90 is seen in the pass below.

The trail moved on into the beginning of Autumn colors and the fireweed appeared to have turned to smoke as it went to seed. The low growing foliage is all autumn color as I approach the treeline. I continue my ascent across the slope. One lonely tree stands in a field of ferns that are giving in to the approaching cold nights. Here the trail nears the ridge, and Summit Ski area can be seen far below.

Once I reached the top of the ridge, there were views and other ridges all around. Red Mountain reappeared, and then ridge after ridge after ridge. Taking a rest and having a quick snack, I was sittin' on the rock of the ridge , and looking down into a high valley.

After my break, it was time to experience Kendall Katwalk. That picture was taken looking back at a section I had just traversed. Now I descended a bit as the ridge dropped to one of the many Alpine Lakes. More Autumn colors before ariving at Ridge Lake. This lake is just off the top of the ridge and only this small peak is above the lake. I don't know how the water can stay all summer, and the trout that I saw swimming lazily around can survive with so little land to provide runoff.

Another picture and yet another of Kendall Katwalk as I returned. Although I was sad to have to leave this beautiful place, the approaching clouds were added incentive to get back to my car. My knees were not happy about the hike, and my whole body was in a bit of shock, but this was a great way to finish off the summer. Soon it will be wet hiking and then into snow as the seasons change. Always something to look forward too.