Alpine Lakes Wilderness#15 - Rain or Shine to Island Lake

It was a stereotypical day in the Pacific Northwest: gray and wet.

You might think that would mean Washingtonians would stay home with a hot Starbucks coffee and a book, but that was not the case. Despite the low clouds and the promise of limited views, plenty of hikers were out enjoying the challenge of the trail. They were probably like me, conditioning for the long summer hikes to come, when the clouds take a leave of absence for a couple of months in July and August.

Today’s focus was Island Lake: 10.8 miles with 3,022 feet of elevation gain.

I averaged 22-minute miles. That was a little slower than I would have liked, but I feel like I am making progress. More than anything, I am gaining confidence traveling over uneven ground. At the start of the season, I tried to run the uphills, but that wiped me out and slowed me down even more on the descents. I am learning to start slower now. I jog a little uphill to warm up, then settle into a brisk walk on the climbs and a jog on the way down.

It is not dramatic progress, but it is progress. Each week I feel a little more capable. A little more comfortable. A little more ready for the longer summer hikes ahead.

There was one real advantage to the spring dampness: no mosquitoes. I imagine summer hiking to Rainbow and Island Lakes could be a very different experience, with clouds of mosquitoes replacing the low clouds of June.

For today, I was happy with gray skies, wet trail, tired legs, and another small step forward.

If You Go

Trail: Island Lake via Rainbow Lake

Distance: About 10.8 miles round trip

Elevation gain: About 3,022 feet

Pace: I averaged around 22-minute miles

Best season: Late spring through fall, though early season may mean wet trails and fewer bugs

Watch for: Mud, roots, rocks, and summer mosquitoes

Good for: Conditioning for longer Alpine Lakes Wilderness hikes