Considering the unsettled weather, we had a good day hiking. It was made even better because we got to help Wally celebrate his 82nd birthday!

There is definitely less new snow to the south. We found lots of mud and a range of 3-4 inches of snow in the shade to no snow in the open.

When we got to the Willow Creek area, we decided not to hike the loop, but instead to hike the Willow Creek part of the loop. That allowed us to start from Indian Graves campground where parking was less muddy and we could use the kitchen shelter before and after the hike.

We started with a short bushwack over to the trail to avoid a long walk on the road.

Crossing Willow Creek

Trail was muddy, but free of snow in the open

Bedragled Crocus

We found a nice open hillside with a mountain view for lunch. The sun even came out a few times, although we could see dark clouds to the south and to the west.


Wally celebrating his 82nd birthday!

Packing up after lunch

Storm over the mountains

After lunch we continued up the valley another couple of kilometers and decided to head back about when the cold front came through bringing a “thunder-flurrie” followed by intermittent drizzle.


Three Flowered Avens

Thanks to Jim, David, Emily, Linda, Wally, Janice, Dee, and new member Chau for coming out today. Brenda c/s/p