artists point - actual heaven

I’ve hiked every trail in this area besides Lake Ann, so the plan was to do Lake Ann. Last minute, a friend impulse added to the trip. I changed the plan to Ptarmigan Ridge and Heather Meadows Visitor Center for a shorter day with more immediate views.

We only went a little way along Ptarmigan Ridge for the views, stopping at the first big snow crossing. July is still pretty early season. Expect a lot of snow crossings if you plan to go soon. We were just looking for beautiful views and a chill day before making (all her, I just enjoyed) tuna steaks and a stir fry at Silver Fir Campground

Mount Shucksan spent the majority of the day hiding behind clouds. I try not to have a favorite peak in Washington… but I have a favorite peak in Washington

And Baker never quite made an appearance. The clouds always obscured the volcano

Then we drove down to Heather Meadows Video center, which is actual heaven. Easy walk for spectacular views filled with delicate meadows. It always amazes me that a few months ago, this area was completely buried by snow. These little plans live in this amazing environment. Short growing seasons, harsh weather makes for the most stunning landscape

And these delicate little flowers are so different than the big ones we see in Botanical Gardens. They are small, sweet, and fragile. I cannot get enough of subalpine flowers