Trip Report, Cathedral Pass and Deep Lake
Yesterday I went on a solo hike to recharge my batteries. Every now and then its good to go out in the middle of no where and be alone with your thoughts. The spectacular weather took me to an equally spectacular part of Washington State known as the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Everytime I visit that area, I tell myself I need to explore it a whole lot more. It is rarely crowded there and the views are amazing.
After scanning various books, I decided to hike to Deep Lake. The hike to the lake is 8 miles one way (disregard what the books say, the maps clearly show 8 miles) and it passes the beautiful Squaw Lake at 2.2 miles. From Squaw the trail continues upward to 5600 feet at Cathedral Pass, where you will find a magnificent view of Cathedral Rock and Mount Daniel. Mount Daniel is the highest point in King County. Had I brought my ice axe, I would have scrambled up the mountain or at least part way, instead I decided to hike 1200 feet down the 3+ miles to Deep Lake.
The lake was amazing and the water crystal clear. I sat down and ate lunch after this long hike. Bugs were biting everywhere else but at the lake, thanks to a nice breeze. I was all by myself at the lake with breathtaking views. Wow. It more than made up for the 8 mile hike I still had ahead of me.
Well, I now I have another secluded spot to go hiking and camping, maybe I shouldn't have shared this with all of you. :-)