As much as I hike in the outdoors during the year, sometimes I’m not on my game.
On a late June morning with trailhead temperatures already above 70 degrees, I began the 3 1/2-mile, 2,000-foot climb to the summit of 5,100-foot Fish Creek Mountain.
Close to twenty years ago the access road to the old trailhead was closed, but volunteers have built a new rough access trail. It’s steep and not well-marked in places.
After 2 1/2 miles I decided to stop.
Whether I hadn’t hydrated enough, or it was just one of those days, I don’t know.
In any event, I rested awhile and then took a slow, leisurely hike back to the trailhead.
An important lesson I learned long ago is to listen to your body.
Cascade Lily
Larkspur
Trail passing through a mature Mountain Hemlock forest, a few Doug Firs too
Cat’s-ear Lily (where did that name come from?)
Large Pyrola
Twin Flower
Spotted Coral Root Orchid
Daisy
Bead Lily
Paintbrush
Buckwheat
One of several nice wildflower meadows along the trail
What a beautiful trail, and how wonderful to find wild lilies and orchids. One of my favorite wild flowers is Indian Paintbrush, and your photo highlights it beautifully. I don’t think there’s a more important lesson than listening to our bodies, John, so your whole adventure sounds like a complete success.
Thanks for the kind words. The wildflowers were magnificent.
Learned to listen to my body about 60. Loved the pictures. Tuesday Diane and I did a 3 1/2 mile trail with only a 500 ft elevation change. My body can do that pretty easily. It starts and ends just this side of Chinook Pass and is called the Naches Trail Loop. The meadows of wild flowers are incredible and the 2nd half of the hike (going clockwise) has Mt. Rainier right in front of you. Hope to see you at the 50 in August.
Looking forward to seeing you at the 50th. Talked to Dennis C. a couple of days ago. He’s doing a great joy getting everything ready for the rest of us.
There’s many great hiking trails off of Chinook Pass. It’s always been a favorite area of mine.