Owyhigh Lakes

Beautiful day, second chimney repair is finished, time for a hike.

Starting up the trail

Looking way down at Shaw Creek at the first switchback

It was such a hot day, we were happy to be in the forest

The trail and bridges were in great shape

A pretty little waterfall at Tamanos Creek crossing

Finally, starting to open up in to the high country

Blissfully beautiful

So happy to be hiking in the high country

Ditto

Magenta Indian paintbrushes starting their show

Tamanos Peak, which we actually climbed back in 2007

First view of one of the Owyhigh Lakes

View of both lakes

What you can't see in this gorgeous picture are the hungry mosquitoes

The view from our lunch spot, with Barrier Peak in the background

Looking across the lake to Governor's Ridge in one direction

And toward the Cowlitz Chimneys in another direction

A better look at the Cowlitz chimneys

 Overall, a great day, we had solitude all the way in, only a few people passing us on the way out.

Stats:
Round trip =8.5 miles
Elevation gain=1650 feet
Hike/drive ratio= 5h/4h=1.25

Just for fun, we last did this hike with Kris and Jen and Byron back in June of 2013

And before that, in August of 2012, with Byron and a bear way on the other side of the lake.