The original weekend plan was to head up north to my parents lake house to just relax. Just Jacob, Joe and I. Then we found out Jacob still has to work Sunday so that plan got canceled. We were pretty bummed. I had really been looking forward to getting away, but so goes life.
Turns out staying home is great too! We rode our bikes down to the water front last night and met his parents for beers at McMenamins. This morning we’re taking the bikes out for a longer ride + getting coffee + going to the farmer’s market (he doesn’t know about this yet). Relaxation will happen in Vancouver too!
Since I won’t get to see beautiful Mayfield lake this weekend, we’re all going to take a look at Margaret lake through Arlene’s eyes. Be sure to check out the hikes page to see everywhere she has gone.
Hike: Margaret Lake (WA)
By Arlene
A year ago we embarrassed ourselves by missing the trailhead to Margaret Lake (and ending up with a delightful romp on some overgrown paths that took us by some nice wildflower fields).
We decided to try again and did a much better job at finding the trailhead; although we did attempt to lose the trail by missing a turn-off from the logging road and then losing our way in the snow fields. In the end we added an entire extra mile to our journey, but we made it to Margaret Lake at Last.
Descending to Margaret Lake
The beginning of the trail is a bit disappointing as it starts on a recently rocked logging road. However once you go off the road into the hillsides of blooming flowers, you can forget the rough road (until the return trip). Despite hiking in mid-August, the wildflowers are just starting their summer show, and it is already spectacular with bear grass, lupine, penstemon, and tiger lilies.
Mixed bouquet of wildflowers
I was reminded today of how special these Northwest alpine lakes can be with their contrast of the lime green shrubbery, gray green Douglas fir trees, and striking blue green water.
Lunch spot above Margaret Lake
This hike was possibly the last hike for my trusty 10+ year old camera. I just purchased one that doesn’t take 20 minutes to warm up and focus (which will be especially nice for my very patient fellow hikers). It also means I may have better luck at taking photos of wildlife in the future because, unlike flowers, eagles and deer don’t wait around for my old camera to turn on.
So, as my final shot with this old friend, I decided to capture Mt Rainier from the trail. Nothing says Northwest hiking like coming around a bend in the trail and seeing the snow-capped giant. Plus it doesn’t move much so I had plenty of time to focus.
Mt Rainier from Margaret Lake Trail
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4 comments
Beautiful pics!
Wow, what gorgeous views!
Farmer’s markets are the best :)Take photos!
Bike riding Is a great consolation prize 🙂 have an awesome day Heather!