Maple Grove 2019

Today's group, plus me behind the camera

Eleven Senior Trailblazers made the long drive to Baker Lake for a favorite beautiful hike to Maple Grove. It's worth the 90-minute drive when the weather is as fine as it was today. We start at the Baker Lake South trailhead to get to Maple Grove. The green beauty was all around us, with the magnificence not able to be captured by the camera. It was just gorgeous!

Beautiful trail

Everything is in bloom, and the heavy moss hanging from some of the trees added to the atmosphere, with sun and shade trading places often. We had perfect hiking weather: a little cool to start, no need to bundle up, just shedding a bit of clothing as we hiked along. We had to cross Anderson Creek, and the bridge, new last year, seems to have fared well during the past winter.

Melanie's picture

The water was roaring underneath, but the sturdy log and handrails made it easy to cross. That's me in front. You notice my grip on the railing? I never let go for a second, with that rushing water giving me a teeny bit of vertigo. But we had no mishaps in either direction.

Chris looking up at the giant

Some of the magnificent trees in this place made it impossible not to exclaim and appreciate them. I believe this is a cedar, but I could be wrong. Whatever it is, it is ancient and impressive.

Mt Baker and reflection

We took a side trip on our way to Maple Grove, reaching Anderson Point and this incredible view of one of our favorite mountains. The lake was still at this point, with high clouds adding a bit of interest.

Trillium

We saw plenty of trillium along the trail, and I captured many, but this is my favorite because it's got a hint of purple in it, meaning it's past its prime. It is obvious why these flowers have that name: three petals and three leaves. It takes seven years after planting before the first flower appears.

First bleeding heart

A much more abundant flower is the bleeding heart, which is just beginning to flower this season. They are a little different from the cultivated variety, and these wild bleeding hearts always make me smile. I like their leaves, too.

Our lunch spot

We got to Maple Grove just a little after noon, and settled down for a very leisurely lunch. In fact, we stayed for about an hour. You can see that the reflection we saw earlier is gone, as the wind came up, but it graced our view as we rested and enjoyed our food.

Swamp lanterns

On the way back, I saw these pretty yellow swamp lanterns, also known as skunk cabbage, along the trail. You can see how abundant all the new growth is around them, too.

Return

And then it was time to retrace our steps and return to the cars. The weather could not have been more perfect, and the camaraderie with my fellow Trailblazers once again made for a wonderful day. We covered a bit more than eight miles and 1,300 feet up and down. Not a huge amount for this hardy group, but more than enough to tire me out and help me have good night's sleep tonight!
:-)