Summer days call for driving to Chinook Pass and enjoying the season of wildflowers along the Pacific Crest Trail. Some hikes are nothing more than to be outside and enjoy the flowers and views. We opted to park at Tipsoo Lakes, just below Chinook Pass. Hike the hillside to the left of the parking lot to reach Chinook Pass (as the road is not safe to walk there). Parking at Tipsoo Lakes is also free, where as at the Pass you need a NW Forest or America The Beautiful pass.
The larger of the Tipsoo Lakes was in full bloom.
Rainier was so pretty that morning.
Lupine everywhere.
Paintbrush and so much more.
The little footbridges are troll worthy.
Lupine line trail.
The trail to Chinook is visible across the lake, slashing across the hillside, under Yakima Peak. We finished walking around Tipsoo and headed up to Chinook. Cross Hwy 410 on the PCT bridge and hop onto the PCT, heading south.
Walker and Alistaire on the trail.
Ford leading his brothers into subalpine glory.
A sundog (ice crystals up high)
The hillsides along the PCT under Naches Peak are some of the best wildflowers one can see on an easy dayhike.
Lily and Paintbrush.
Paintbrush and Lupine.
Alistaire crossing a creeklet.
Lake on the PCT and our turn around for the day.
Brothers.
One of my favorite lakes to visit.
The boys heading down, under Naches.
Alistaire on the way down, stopping to look at flowers.
~Sarah