At times, it can seem like these are dark times for those noble spirits endeavoring to work for peace and justice against the forces of greed, intolerance, ignorance and hate. It’s important to fill your cup on a regular basis, and drink from the fountain of life. In that spirit, I offer you these images from a July 1 hike up Baldy Mountain in the traditional Twana territory of the Coast Salish tribes. Yes – this is a steep trail, gaining 4500 feet from the Dungeness River trailhead to the top of Baldy (elevation 6800 feet). For the truly energized alpinist, another hour or two will take you to the top of Grey Wolf Ridge (elevation 7200 feet).
This trail goes straight up for much of its length, without switch backs. It also requires a careful read of the guidebook directions (see link above), both in how to get to the trailhead, and the various trail forks one needs to make along the way. I saved the description of the hike to my phone so that I could refer to it several times.
Carry plenty of water. Hiking poles for balance and easing the impact on your knees on the descent. 4 hours up, 30 minutes on top, 2.5 hours down. Only one other couple the entire way.
Excellent!,