Aside from being a very pleasant section of the PCT, this trail (and Buck Peak) offer big views of many of the NW’s major summits. Early on, I had a view of Adams and Rainier,
and then of Jefferson.
After about 6 mi, Buck Peak (left) and Rainier (right) came into view,
and I was soon on the summit of Buck.
From there, I had views of Hood,
and Lost Lake. They don’t show in the photos, but several large avalanches had swept down the N face of Hood on to the Reid Glacier and there were also signs of numerous rock falls and slides. It all looked very unstable and immensely dangerous.
Flowers seem to have peaked in this area, but there were a lot of avalanche lillies along parts of the trail,
and also some bear grass blooms.
These little fungi look like “gummy bears” at a distance and finely crafted glass sculptures up close.
From Lolo Pass to Buck Peak and back is 16 mi with a total gain is 2600’ - but the PCT is so comfortably graded that this gain is hardly noticeable. I just strolled along the excellent tread enjoying the forest and the occasional big view. In addition, a stiff breeze blew the whole day, which swept the bugs aside and kept temperatures very comfortable for hiking. Another great day in the woods – certainly beats working!
