I'm not sure why they did this rather than melt snow from a nearby snow patch, which I did. Tapto Lake. : above roof How many TV locations within your home will the antenna supply? UN-fortunately, although the sun shone brightly on Whatcom Peak across the valley the entire time, clouds kept the Taptos in shade most of the time, so my tent was still damp when I packed it up at around 11:00. Seattle, WA 98104. What a feeling. The trail up is actually steeper and more of a true climbers path than Whatcom arm, but is short to the ridge (1 mile, 1000 feet). They were the first humans I'd seen since starting the hike. This was due to the hard work of the Park Service 2-man trail crew I ran into. The advantage of the openness is awesome views of the cliffs and waterfalls above the valley and the mountains at its head. I would advise anyone reading this and thinking of doing the Little Beaver this year or next to check and they've since gotten around to clearing it. This view of the Tapto Lakes reminded us of Banner and Ritter above Thousand Island Lake in the Sierras. I was more and more anxious about making the campsite before dark, which made me hurry more and tire me out, which made me more nervous, etc. Whatcom Pass and Tapto Lakes. The Ridge was as glorious as promised, with open meadows and wide views all around, the widest at the lookout, which I reached at about 3pm. And I had no idea how far the trail was. I seriously considered cheating and camping at Copper Creek that night, leaving a shorter hike and climb to Silesia on Day 4 and perhaps a packless day-hike to the lookout on Day 5. There are many opportunities to explore the lakes and to take in views of the rugged North Cascade peaks across the lakes. Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest and North Cascades National Park, Washington. Day 2: Copper Lake to Whatcom Camp (16.5 miles, 4500'). In the evening, a breeze periodically kept them away as sunset glowed Whatcom Peak pink and made Red Face Mountain that much redder. A visit to Tapto Lakes and Whatcom Pass in North Cascades National Park has been on my wish list for a number of years. Tapto Lakes sit in a basin about 800′ above Whatcom Pass. Seattle, WA 98104. North Cascades National Park. The West Summit is easiest (Class 2), while the higher East Summit is much more challenging (route-finding, Class 3 and 4, some exposure). It rises out of deep untouched forest valleys to jaw dropping views of rugged glacier clad peaks. After Graybeal its switchbacks and uphill until Whatcom Pass (and Tapto Lakes). Then, things got VERY intersting. It draws very few visitors per year, and the odds of seeing another human on your adventure are very low. Whatcom Peak and Mt. DAY FIVE: 8.2 miles, 1000 ft gain To my surprise, there was no water at all before Perry Creek Camp, 5.8 miles in. It was a relatively clean snowpatch too. I lingered late into the morning, snapping photos and again drying my stuff. Learn the fundamentals of wilderness living while enjoying some of the most inspiring alpine scenery in … (This was my second time, the other being on the Twin Lakes trail (Monte Christo) 2 years ago.) Washington Trails Association I triumphantly arrived at the trailhead at about 3:30, and found my precious car exactly where I had left it over four days earlier. Whatcom Pass,Tapto Lakes,Chilliwack River,Copper Ridge. Keep an eye out for bears in this area as they are frequently seen on or near the river. Tapto Lakes is one of those locations that many hikers dream about visiting. DAY ONE: 12 miles, 900 ft elevation gain The image of all those bright red salmon in the pristine waters, deep in the wilderness just pulled me back, that and the lure of making it to Tapto Lakes, above Whatcom Pass. I hiked down the short trail to the boat dock. The park ranger had advised and others told me they had gotten water down at Egg Lake. The basin is shaped somewhat like an amphitheater, with the main show being the stupendous views of … Good camps at Copper Creek. The day went smoothly, and before I knew it I was side-hilling in flowers and blueberries on Copper Ridge, with views back down to the deep Chilliwack valley. The trail enters one of the most massive fields of brush I have ever seen, and I mean ENTERS it. On the plus side, there were views over the brush to the head of the valley, Challenger and Whatcom, and waterfalls waterfalls everyhwere. I looked out of the vented wall of my tent over a sea of fog that filled the Chilliwack valley, with peaks rising above it. She said a smattering, but not many. It turned out that there is a perfectly clear path that takes you to Tapto lakes: just go left at the junction at the Whatcom Pass itself. A visit to Tapto Lakes and Whatcom Pass in North Cascades National Park has been on my wish list for a number of years. Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. I wolfed down dinner and watched the sun set over Shuksan, Baker, Icy, Mineral, Whatcom, Challenger, bla bla bla... Dinner was cooked and eaten by headlamp. Fortunately, it was cold enough to keep my pant legs and fleece on, because, damn, the mosquitos were horrible. I stopped there for a while, filtering and snacking. : not sure 8-10 ft Will the antenna be installed outside above the roof line, in the attic, etc...? Great wildlife on this route. That's right -- I killed a moth with only my eyelid. When my boot got completely sucked in at one point, I said forget that idea. Mt. That path will take you up and around through some really beautiful meadows, approaching the Tapto lakes from the West across a ridge so that you can see the full splendor of them from above. To cap off the difficulties of the day, a mouse pestered me while I was eating, and a moth, attracted by the headlamp, flew literally INTO my eye. Our tax identification number is EIN 91-0900134. The always lovely and ever more expensive boat taxi ride took me to the Little Beaver trailhead, where some folks were canoeing on the lake. I quickly reached the Chilliwack ford thatI had been told (and re-assured me) about. The park features hiking trails along tree covered mountains that seem to stretch on forever, alpine meadows, impressive glaciers, the Skagit River, and stunning views of alpine lakes like Lake Ann or Diablo Lake. The Tapto Lakes Basin is absolutely sublime. Contributions to WTA are tax deductible, and we are committed to making the best use of every donation to our mission. They are joined by a group of Mountaineers, including Inis Easton, and hike up Red Face Mountain for more views. Buoy Lake. With wind storms overnight, I awoke to find everything (including the inside of my tent and myself) coated in half inch of dust/sand. A visit to Tapto Lakes and Whatcom Pass in North Cascades National Park has been on my wish list for a number of years. Views toward Whatcom Peak and Challenger from the climb to Tapto. I was very surprised (and rather disappointed) to find that almost the entire Hannegan Pass trail is in the open in brush fields. Remote, high in the subalpine, and surrounded by rugged snowcapped peaks, the lakes have all the features of a classic backpacking destination. Exploring Tapto Lakes Basin. You simply open the image from your own gallery. The only differences between NCNP and a wilderness area are backcountry permits and park rangers instead of forest rangers. Amazing views of Whatcom Peak and Mount Challenger. Much wandering and great views of Whatcom/Challenger/various ridges to the west. 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