Wells Peak

August 20, 2025 -- Hope

Stats: 7 km / 719m gain / 1846m high / 3:10 hours MT / 4WD

After a few hot days, slightly cooler temperatures lured us out on this moderate hike. Compared to last time I hiked this trail (probably almost a decade ago), it has greatly improved. The trail is much more defined and well marked. The Mt. Hope FSR is rough in spots so a 4x4 is necessary. We parked at the same trailhead that is used for Mt. Hope (1153m).

It was a fun relaxing day out with nine of us.

We walked on this FSR lined with alders for about 20-minutes.

Then we turned right and began a steep ascent first through forest and then mostly in the subalpines.

The clouds hovered close to the mountains in the morning.

This short very steep stretch was just below the ridge.

Once on the ridge we turned right and were soon at the summit where we had lunch. The Skagit River Valley was visible but not much else.

Group shot: me, Peter F, Devin D, Denise D, Patrick R, Karl V, Charlotte H., Jaco N + Sue A

As we decended and headed for the lower hill at the other end of the ridge, the clouds began to lift.

west

Looking back at the peak to the right.

Grant Peak (2100m) to the right and Mt. Redoubt (2438m) in the middle -- south. Eaton Lake is on the far side of Grant Mt.

west

south to southwest.

The Fraser River to the right.

east

Hope Mt (1200m) -- northwest.

We were constantly being deterred on our return journey. We just couldn't pass by those ample delicious blueberry bushes without tasting them. Atctic Butterbur (photo on the right)

Looking back at the summit.

It's hard to get a photo of a pica. They're so skittish.

Patridgefoot Bruising Webcap

A natural bridge.

And then came the traditional tailgate party.