A Highland glen in Washington state

[Dughlas mor]

This view of the Napeequa valley in the Glacier Peak wilderness area is one of my favorites in the Cascade mountains. The deep glacier gouged valley has always reminded me of the Scottish highlands. It`s been quite a while since I stood where this shot was taken, but my photographer friend recently made the trip to Little Giant pass on a perfect Autumn day. The valley floor runs about 4300 ft. The peaks are all above 8000. In the distance can be seen the icy bulk of Glacier Peak, a 10,500 ft. volcano that is sleeping peacefully for the time being. There is a lot of world class scenery in the Cascades, but you usually have to work for it. This view is attained by a hike of 4200 ft. elevation gain in 4.5 miles on an old sheepherders trail. Typical. The photographer recently turned 70, and is obviously still going strong.