Sunday, June 19, 2005

 

Tonga Ridge and Sawyer Pass, Alpine Lakes Wilderness

This is a high bang-for-your buck hike! The car does most of the work, as the parking lot is at 4300'. On our way out we hiked all the way to Sawyer Pass, looking for a bootpath up to Mt Sawyer. We pooh-poohed Bella's desire to go up a dirt spot that looked like it climbed 10 feet straight up and then stopped. The hike to the pass was fine, but not very exciting, and the "meadow" at the pass could use a prescribed burn (it ain't a meadow no more). So, we headed back with the hope of finding the path to Mt. Sawyer. Wouldn't you know it, Miss Bella Dog knew what she was doing! We took her path up (steep boot path, really got us huffing and puffing, but it's not very long). There were nice views at the top of Hinman, Daniel and relatives. Alas, we forgot the camera. Good berry route. Sara and her brother returned later in the year to pick blueberries and huckleberries.

Distance: 7 miles
Elevation gain: 1200' to Mt Sawyer
Weather: Slight overcast, 60s
Dog Rating: I'm the smartest hiking dog ever!


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