Seattle Forrest

I spent the weekend camping in the North Cascades, and wanted to share some photos. My pocket camera died about a month ago and I haven't been posted any trip reports since then; this time I took my SLR camera, made a belt-loop for its feeble case with some prusik cord, and took it for a slightly nervous but wonderful ride on the North Cascades Highway.

This was a shorter ride, because I had obligations Sunday night in town, and, also, I was exhausted from the previous day's hike and from the sun. (I turned myself into a lobster.) I found a pullout on the side of the road, rode over Rainy Pass, down and then back up over Washington Pass, down a bit into the Methow Valley, then back up and over the two passes again to my car.

Traffic was minimal. Lots of places to park to start the ride. The snow was melting rapidly, it was in the low 90s for most of the ride although I got hit with an occasional blast of 45 degree air, which was nice.

Seattle Forrest

The day before, I hiked about 3 miles from the end of Cascade River Road to the world's most beautiful trailhead, stayed a few hours, and hiked back down. In those 3 miles I gained about 1,700 feet, hiking in deep snow (which required heavy boots). Nature demonstrated her fury, but didn't direct it at anybody; I saw a monster avalanche come down J'burg Mountain on the hike out, from a nice sheltered spot.





Here's some stargazing from camp.

SpookyReverb

Man! These are amazing photos.

How was riding your bike on those roads with car traffic?
Riding on roads in scenic areas seems a iffy to me, as you know the driver is looking at the mountains and not the road!

woodway

Nicely done as always SF.

Seattle Forrest

Nobody would ever drive a car and not pay attention fully.

There was very little car traffic, surprisingly little. For me the most annoying thing about it was people stopping in the pull out, parking in front of me while I was pointing the camera toward the view at Washington Pass. Don't park in my photo! I would guess I was passed by about a dozen cars or trucks, and most of them got into the next lane. (I do run a rear blinky light, though, as an attention grabber.)

All in all, it feels much safer than riding in my neighborhood in Seattle. The drivers are possibly more distracted - although there's no cell coverage so no one is texting - but they're not angry or in a hurry. Plus it's enjoyable for the obvious reasons.

percy kittens

Thank you!

AAZ

Terrific photos. Looks and reads like a great ride. Thanks for sharing.