Just beyond the meadow, the #12 trail makes a sharp turn to the left, and there’s a little sign to the right.
Somewhat ominous and not particularly accurate, since it marks the start of a good use trail over to Lookingglass Lake and not to any (readily evident) resting place of the departed. This use trail contours E at around 5400’, crossing several small streams,
then crosses a large stream (2 logs were in place to make a bridge),
before taking you to a side trail down to Lookingglass Lake. There are good campsites on either side of the lake and it would make a first-rate destination for an overnight backpack.
And, yes, there are fish in the lake.
An official trail (#9A) continues E from above the lake, eventually connecting with the round the mountain trail (#9). From above the lake, I got a view of St. Helens, sitting in a soup of clouds pushing in from the NW.
The RTM trail took me around a ridge with a good view of that roiling cloud layer trying to force its way into the interior.
That was followed shortly by Horseshoe Meadow and another grand view of Adams.
Just past the meadow, I followed a short section of the PCT (2000) back to the Stagman Ridge trail and hence to the TH. There is a short, steep, loose, dusty section of trail #12 between the PCT junction and the “Graveyard Camp” sign that I avoided having to climb up by doing a counter-clockwise loop. All told, a short loop (11.4 mi, 2400’ (including detour to the lake)) but a great way to see the W side of Adams up close.
Did you see any other hikers out that day? I've always suspected that the area immediately around Mt Adams get less use than other locations. Do you think that's true?
