Glacier Lake

Original parking lot view of Buttes

Three of us braved the smoke and heat, driving up to Grouse Ridge.  It was fairly clear when we arrived.  We hiked to Sand Ridge and when on top, could still see the some distance.  Our view rapidly disappeared however as the smoke blew our way and pretty soon we could no longer even see back up to Grouse Ridge.  We hiked around and up through increasingly heavy smoke to Glacier Lake.  Clouds were building up and a cooler wind blew most of the smoke away.

On the return hike, we  could hear the rumble of thunder every eight seconds.  The rumbling dark sky was mostly behind us, sounding like an evil giant.  We hiked quickly escaping both the clouds and the ever-present insects. 

Next week's hike will depend on the smoke both from the American and the larger Rim fire. 




View of Buttes from Sand Ridge



Later view from Parking lot



Later view from Parking lot