Mt. Mitchell
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July 2007: A hike to the top of Mt. Mitchell |
Mt. Mitchell rises out of the green forests south of Mt. St. Helens. This isn't the most dramatic peak in the mountains, but the trail is good and the view is wonderful. |
A porcupine had eaten through the bark on a number of trees along one section of trail. |
Mt. St. Helens dominates the view north of Mt. Mitchell. There was once a fire lookout on top of Mt. Mitchell, but all that remains of it are a few scraps of wood and foundation bolts. |
Butterflies and moths are attracted to the warm rocks near the summit. |
The view north from the top is quite rewarding. Swift Creek Reservoir occupies the lower valley. Mt. St. Helens and Mt. Rainier pop out of the horizon. Mt. Adams is also quite prominent - though not pictured here, it's just to the right of this image. |
A telephoto view of Mt. Rainier below layers of high clouds as viewed from the top of Mt. Mitchell... |
Back down near the trailhead, this Barred Owl makes a meal of an unlucky mouse. |
Where is it? Mt. Mitchell is located just south and east of the town of Cougar, WA, in southwest Washington State. |
Before you go... There is limited parking at the trailhead, but this trail isn't as popular as some others nearby. There are about 3 miles of gravel roads to the trailhead, and they're in pretty good shape. |
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