| On 4th of July weekend, we decided to backpack to Hannegan Pass so we can hike Hanngean Peak and climb Ruth Mountain. There were lots of wildflowers along the way to the campsite. | |
 (I think) Penstemons, Indian Paintbrushes, and Tiger Lilies. |
 Hellebores and (I think) Dwarf Hesperochiron. |
 Avalanche lilies. |
 Phloxes. |
 Pink Mountain Heathers. |
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| The hike to Hannegan Peak was considered a warm-up for our climb to Ruth Mountain which is the next day. Hannegan Peak is just 12 miles roundtrip with 3086ft elevation gain from the trailhead. Ruth Mountain is 14 miles roundtrip with 4006ft elevation gain from the trailhead. | |
 Me on top of Hannegan Peak with Ruth Mountain in the background. |
 View of Shuksan glaciers area while hiking up Hannegan Peak. |
| We woke up early for our ascent to Ruth Mountain in the fog. We followed fellow climbers footprints by taking a short-cut up a steep snow trail. I encountered some more alpine flowers. These wildflowers are not so common to the ones that I usually see. | |
 Golden Fleabane. |
 Silky Phacelia. |
 Penstemons. |
 White Mountain Heathers. |
| On our way to Ruth Mountain and looking
towards Hannegan Peak.
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| This spot was ridiculously steep that I practically didn't dare look down while traversing it. We encountered some backpackers (literally) that was planning to spend the night at Ruth Mountain. Jan made a remark that "the guy (backpacker) must be crazy in love with his girlfriend to be carrying his AND her pack across this part of the terrain". | |
 Jan on top of Ruth Mountain. |
 Jeff on top of Ruth Mountain. |
| As for me on top of Ruth Mountain...I have to consider this climb as an "almost was". We got back to camp in time to see the sky clearing up around Ruth Mountain. | |
 Camp. |
 Ruth Mountain from camp. |
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