But by the time I'd gotten on to the Nick Eaton,
and climbed a bit, I was above the low clouds - which were starting to retreat anyway.
There was even a view of a mostly melted-out Adams on the far horizon.
The trail was in great condition and progress was rapid up to Ridge Camp, where Fall colors lined the trail.
This may have been the first time I'd hiked to Green Point without encountering any snow and walking smoothly on good trail through a towering forest was sheer joy. I've visited some of the world's great cathedrals, but not one was as magnificent as this stretch of trail.
The view from Green Point Mtn didn't disappoint, with Adams in the distance and Mt. Defiance looming above Rainey Lk.
Even Rainier made an appearance,
as did, of course, Hood.
These shorter Fall days meant that the sun was sliding toward the ridges as I headed back through the waning colors,
and forests bracing for the first snows.
A great end to an amazing summer hiking season. 17.6 mi, 4600' EG.
