Church Mt.

Sept. 24, 2024 -- Mt Baker Wilderness

Stats: 14.5 km / 1252m gain / 1830m high / 2:20 hours MT to sub-peak

The bright autumn colours and warm sunshine made for a very gorgeous day. The elevation gain was more doable because of the well-maintained and gently graded trail.

Out of the dark of the forest and into the light, 1:30 hours from the start.

Blueberry bushes lured us to stop & pick them.

The trail veered off to the left, crossing over a creek.

Mt. Baker with it's cap -- south.

Mt. Shuksan -- southeast.

Leaving the meadows.

Shuksan & Baker (3300m) are the highest mountains in this region.

The Nooksack River in the valley.

east

The final short grunt to the subpeak was steep but had a cable to hang on to.

Almost there.

south

The Pacific Ocean -- west.

The true peak is a technical climb.

Kidney Lakes -- north.

In the background are the Border Peaks, Tomyhoi & Larrabee Mtns. -- east.

Heading down to meet up with Case & Terry who had walkie-talkies.

A short side-trail led to this view and a rustic campsite.

King Bolete

Looking back at the subpeak to the left.

Group shot, back row, left to right: Patrick R, Irene H, Redina B, Case T, Peter F

Front row: me, Sue A, Denise D, Terry B + Mary R

I counted nine bumble bees on this thistle.

Amanita mushrooms Angel's Wings mushrooms