Table Mountain (WA)

Mount Baker on the skyline.

After missing the usual hiking routine in the North Cascades in 2011, it was plenty fun to get back there in August 2012.  After the run up Hannegan Peak (posted below), I joined friends for an easy day hike up Table Mountain.  Tons of snow surrounded the plowed parking lot and we booted it up the white stuff briefly to reach the sunnier trail above.  The airy switchbacks carved through cliffs led to the plateau on top and endless wandering among meadows, snowfields and rockfields, all with dramatic views of Mount Shuksan and Mount Baker.  Back at the car, my friends were off to their next adventure, while I extended my trek with a wandering trot down the Wild Goose and Pan Dome Trails to Heather Meadows.

Table Mountain from Heather Meadows.

The classic view of Mount Shuksan.