Molly's first Hike

August 18th 2011 Molly was going to go on her first hike of the summer.  My friend RJ had joined us and so early that morning we back up the car and headed out for Snoqualmie Pass and to find the trail head for Mirror Lake.  I chose  Mirror as it was close by and not all that long of a hike just over a mile in from the trail head, also it was not a popular hike being in the Stampede Pass area which has been heavily logged.  The plan was to just take it easy and enjoy a good lunch and maybe a swim at the lake.

First we had to find the trail head which was not as easy as it sounded.  The description on how to get there in the guide books said that you could drive all the way to the trail head and park there.  But what it failed to mention that the last quarter mile or so of  forest road 5480 is best traveled by a 4x4 with high clearance.  So we stopped down the road and proceeded to start our hike a bit short of the trail head. 

Now my friend RJ is really not the out doors type for the most part and was not really all that excited about making this trip.  For example he wanted to know if it was ok if he wore his flip flops.  Well I had a good little laugh at that and let him know that not the best of ideas.  So he settled on a sturdier pair of shoes as I could not talk him in to wearing the extra pair of boots that I had.  I think in the long run he was glad for the shoes though cause he did stub his toes many a time before the day was done. 

Once we reached the bend in the road where the trail head is located we were able to get off of the road and off into the woods that lead to Cottonwood and Mirror Lakes.  Yep that's right this trail gets you two lakes to choose from.  Molly was in the lead and not sure where to turn or what to sniff next, she was in doggy heaven.  The one thing about her though that I am not quite sure how to deal with other then keeping a tight hold on her leash is that any time we came across a slow stream that is really muddy she wants to hop in and indulge her self.  I mean she will lay down in it and lap up its stagnant water with way to much joy for her and way to much stink for me.  Oh the joy of it.

It was near one of these great little muddy spots that molly got to meet another dog on the trail for the first time.  She went straight into play mode.  Getting low on her front paws and ready to dance in circles.  Really is a joy to see.  She was great no fights no growling just playful frolicking.   

After the frolicking came to an end we continued along the trail till we reached Cottonwood Lake about 3/4 of a mile from where we had parked.  We took a quick break enjoying the view and the headed on up the trail through a couple of switch backs and over the ridge to Mirror lake.  The Mirror Lake trail runs into the Pacific Crest Trail just as you arrive at the lakes north end.  We continued about half way down the east shore and found a spot to enjoy our lunch and to let Molly do a little swimming.  Next we decided to do a little more exploring and followed the PCT passed to the lake to where the trail comes out on the bluff over looking Yakima Pass and Twilight Lake.

Great view from that spot and the creek that is leaving Mirror cascades down the rocky hill side in some beautiful little falls with great little pools at the bottom to soak one's tiered feet in.  After spending a little time there we headed back to the car and the drive home.

It was a great little hike and all three of us enjoyed our self's.  This is one place that I will go back and visit once again.

Here below are some pictures that were taken and the route that we traveled.
Enjoy

Mirror Lake

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