Chikamin Ridge Loop, Sept 14-18, 2009

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Old growth forest along the Gold Creek trail

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Kendall Peaks shrouded in fog. The stratus layer piled up against the west slope of the Cascades didn't dissipate until sunset.

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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A big avalanche off Alta Mountain a few years ago flattened the forest across about 600 yards of the Gold Creek valley. The USFS signs warning of severe trail damage were not overstating the situation; crossing the runout on logs and gravel bars took me about a half hour.

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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These mushrooms were the brightest sight of the day. Although they're edible, I wasn't that impressed the one time I tried them so I didn't collect any.

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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I didn't collect these either though they are often quite tasty.

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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The trail hasn't been maintained in at least 30 years yet the track, though very brushy, was not that difficult to follow. I did lose it where it crossed Joe Creek and bushwhacked up the wrong (south) side of the creek as a result. Steep and strenuous.

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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My pack on a rock in the un-maintained trail

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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View back towards Alaska Mountain

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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View of the Chikamin Ridge ahead. My route tomorrow will ascend the left end of the ridge just to the right of the notch.

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Waterfall below Joe Lake. At this point I'm back on the trail again, having crossed the creek not far below the waterfall.

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Residue of the stratus layer clinging to Mount Thompson

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Early morning at Joe Lake

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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3x4 point Mule Deer buck by Joe Lake. It looks as though he got gored during the rut

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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My first night in the new Hubba Hubba tent was at Joe Lake. I arrived after sunset and had just enough light to get set up and hang my food before dark. I was a little uneasy about the site; previous campers had dumped food and left onion halves on a log in camp, but I had no visitors during the night. Perhaps the bears are all off eating huckleberries. The tent worked well, keeping me dry despite heavy dew.

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Eating breakfast, granola with huckleberries picked right in camp.

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Thin-leaf huckleberry. Although not as sweet as blueberries, they have considerably more character whether raw or cooked.

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Red-breasted Nuthatch on a log across the creek at the outlet of the lake

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Yellow-rumped warbler in a mountain ash. I hung out with the 300 f4 lens for about 20 minutes after breakfast, trying for bird photos.

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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While trying for shots of the warblers, a two finches with a flashy appearance, one red and one brown, flew across the creek in front of me. They joined a flock in the top of a hemlock, where from photos I was able to confirm the id, my first White-winged Crossbills in many years. The calls are flatter, maybe higher-pitched, than Red Crossbill calls, "chyit" rather than "kwip".

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Bushwhacking up from the lake via a gully through the slide alder, I attracted the attention of this Hermit Thrush.

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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View back down to Joe Lake from the Pacific Crest trail

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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View down the Gold Creek valley towards Mt Rainier

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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View up the PCT to Chikamin Ridge. My route ascends the curving gully that starts up from the PCT behind the top of the small fir in the right foreground.

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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View east across the face of Chikamin Ridge. Little Alta Mountain, where I'll be in two days, is the low rounded summit in the center of the middle-distance ridgeline. Alta Mountain is the peak at the right-hand end of that ridgeline.

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Mount Thompson and Huckleberry Mountain

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Gaining the top of the ridge (reenactment)

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Chikamin Peak. It is apparently possible to scramble up the far side but I didn't attempt it, having too little time and not much taste for yet another scary-steep slope.

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Chikamin Lake, my primary objective. For the next 24 hours I'll be in new territory. Remote too, not a good place for an accident.

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Down at the lake after a fairly easy descent, except for one 8' drop where I had to lower myself from the handle of my ice axe. I'd read a report online from a few years ago that the lake contained 8-15" trout, so I rigged up my flyrod and cast out a weighted black leech fly I'd bought in Wyoming for the Wind Rivers.

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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The trout liked my leech fly and it worked pretty well after I chopped off the tail. Cumbersome to cast though, so I switched to a dry fly which worked equally well. The trout on the left was 11". Later I lost one I estimated at 15".

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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The fat 13" trout I caught and released in the lowest of the three Chikamin lakes. It may have been the only trout in that lake.

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Chikamin Peak from Chikamin Lake outlet

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Heating water for supper. First course curried lentils, second course trout.

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Inside my tent. Nice thing about backpacking is that for once I get to bed early.

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Sunrise over Mount Stuart

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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The sun rising

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Lower Chikamin Lake. One trout looked at my fly then turned away. It was the size of the one I caught and released the night before; I think maybe she recognized the fly that had bitten her 12 hours earlier.

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Glacier-smoothed ledge. I'm always fascinated by these but they rarely make for photos as good as I think they should.

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Lower Chikamin lake

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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The main Chikamin Lake and Chikamin Peak

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Blue Gentian, my favorite late-summer alpine flower

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Saxifrage and breccia

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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My camp below Chikamin Lake, just out of sight from the trail

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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View from camp down towards Spectacle Lake

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Huckleberries and ledges below Chikamin Lake

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Huckleberries and tarn above the trail down towards Glacier Lake

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Crowberries. Slightly sweet but mostly skin and seeds.

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Smooth rock

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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A tough spot in the trail down to Glacier Lake

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Rock slide above Glacier Lake

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Glacier Lake

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Frog near Glacier Lake

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Frog with tadpoles in tarn above Glacier Lake

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Clouds moving in over the high peaks

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Mountain ash turning along the Pacific Crest Trail above Park Lakes

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Route south towards Little Alta Mountain

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Alpine Huckleberries near Alta Pass

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Rampart/Chikamin ridges from Little Alta Mountain. My route climbed up and over Chikamin ridge (in the clouds) near the left side of the photo, crossed to the right side of the photo behind the jagged ridge in the center, then followed the base of the talus fields along the right side of the photo.

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Mountain Ash leaves turning

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Ledge overlooking Lila Lake. Susan and I camped here on July 4 weekend in 1986; Daniel may have been conceived here. A faint rainbow arches over the upper left of the photo, a sign of God's grace.

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Marmot on rock near Lila Lake. I continued on another mile to Rampart Lakes where I tried fishing and caught one small cutthroat, then ate supper before hiking southwest up to a saddle below the crest of the ridge. I found a flat spot to camp just south of the saddle.

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Expecting an overcast morning, I nearly didn't make it out of the tent in time to catch the colorful sunrise.

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Sunrise from Rampart Ridge

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Early morning sun on Rampart Ridge. My tent is at the bottom left of the photo.

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Meadows on Rampart Ridge

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Fog below Rampart Ridge. Gold Creek and I-90 visible in the valley.

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Clouds forming as wind ascends up over Rampart Ridge

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Box Ridge from Rampart Ridge

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Rampart Lakes. Note tent near center of photo.

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Box ridge from Rampart Ridge

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Camp on Rampart Ridge

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Saddle above Rampart Lakes, from the south

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Lake Lillian from Rampart Ridge

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Lake Lillian

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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American Dipper stretching

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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American Dipper along the shore of Lake Lillian

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Yellow-rumped Warbler with beak open

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Chipmunk eating Senecio seeds

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Amanita muscaria

Photos from solo hike to Chikamin Lake via Gold Creek and Rampart Lakes, Sept 14-18, 2009

23 years ago I hiked up Gold Creek to Chikamin Ridge and back again one day in October. I've always wanted to go back. Packing took so long that I only made it to Joe Lake the first day, then hiked up and over the ridge to Chikamin Lake the second day. The third day I descended to Glacier Lake then followed indistinct trails along the east side of the ridge to Little Alta Mountain, stopped at Rampart Lakes for supper then camped on Rampart Ridge. My fourth day I hiked out to the Mount Margaret trailhead, collecting mushrooms and huckleberries along the way, then ran the four miles back to my car.

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Back where I started: Gold Creek with Chikamin Ridge in the distance, Alta Mountain and Rampart Ridge on the right