From the 2-lane lay-by we walked west to the nearby Mist Mountain trailhead and headed up to Nameless Col on good trail. We started getting views as we came above treeline along with a bit of a breeze.
Arriving at Nameless Col (photo courtesy Ulrike)
Our rather large group gathered around the NW side of the col to see if we could spot our first objective - the Mist Mountain Hot Springs. Sure enough, discernable lower and higher trails directed us right to it, though we did run into 2 returning hikers who were unsuccessful in their search for it. From here 2 Ramblers wisely chose to turn back so that an already-stressed knee/foot wouldn't turn into an injury. The rest of us traversed around scree and snow patches to the hot pools.
Toshiko and Inge traversing from the col (photo courtesy Ulrike)
The 2 pools were small enough that we had to take turns. The Coordinator went in first and others followed. Most put their feet in only though Ulrike went all in, despite the tepid temperature. We all enjoyed a Jurassic wildlife encounter.
Arriving at the Hot Springs (photo courtesy Ulrike)
Philip and the Dinosaur (photo courtesy Ulrike)
Ulrike takes a dip (photo courtesy Philip)
Soon other hikers showed up and it was time for us to head back to the col via a slightly higher trail.
High traverse on return; route up Mist Mountain
Back at the col we ascended Nameless ridge, our high point of the day and lunch spot.
Marietta ascends Nameless Ridge from the col
Lunch break looking south to our descent ridge
Lunch break looking north; Storm Ridge behind
We walked SW down the ridge, enjoying the views and flowers. A mother grouse turned aggressive when the Coordinator startled her lower down.
Nameless (Eagle) Ridge descent (photo courtesy Ulrike)
Protective grouse (photo courtesy Philip)
A trail emerged in the bush near the bottom and we followed it for awhile then veered right (SW) to minimize the amount of road walking back to the cars. Philip ably lead us through this short bushwhack.
Lower trail section off south end of ridge (photo courtesy Ulrike)
This pleasant trip combination was new to all participants: Rosanne,Philip,Bill,Nancy,Aldis,Jeannette,Marietta,Inge,Ulrike,Donna,Toshiko, "Ulli", and Brian, Coordinator