An escape to a hiking trail within a few hours of Seattle during the summer often means cooler temperatures and relief from concrete reflections of heat in our otherwise temperate home. Most of the time this is a safe bet, but not during the final weekend of June when we experienced a once-in-a-thousand-year heat dome sitting over the Pacific Northwest pushing temperatures about 100 degrees. As we began our hike at 8:30 am, I thought relief might hold with 75 degrees greeting us at the trailhead. Within a few hours of hiking, oppressive heat found us on every exposed ridge.  

 The entire Cascade Range is breathtaking, but the North Cascades are something special. Never crowded and featuring awe-inspiring views around every bend, these mountains, forests, and lakes make me want to be better at everything I hold dear. They inspire me to hike bigger miles, take better photos, and write better essays. With every visit, I leave with a greater sense of self and a desire to be more creative.  

Diablo Lake Trail wraps around the turquoise wonder that draws people from all over the world to North Cascades National Park. Beginning in the trees, the trail offers a pretty standard Washington hike. Then you begin to climb in elevation. As you do, exposed ridges offer momentary glimpses of the lake, mountains, and passing cars on the other side of the canyon. After two miles of hiking, you reach the summit and begin descending toward the lake and Ross Dam. After another two miles, you reach a wonderful bridge crossing the lake. Here, you can fully see the dam. When we visited, we hiked around the corner to a ferry dock. Here, we jumped in for a little relief from the heat. After some moments spent in awe, we reversed course and returned to the car.  

With every hike since March of 2020, the Pacific Crest Trail and the idea of once again attempting a thru-hike bounces around my mind. I will often spend time amid an internal debate over my hiker status. Perhaps, I am just a day-hiker. Then, I will spend some time trying to convince myself to become something more. I must be a backpacker. I must reach the pinnacle and become a thru-hiker. After the trail is finished, I find myself no closer to an answer. The debate will linger on and leave me with a decision to make.  

This National Park holds a special place in my heart. Here, Tim, Patrick, and I hiked together for the first time. We weren’t concerned with big miles. As three budding photographers, we were concerned with capturing the moment and perfecting our craft. Here, Elizabeth and I decided to attempt the Pacific Crest Trail. Here, I came to appreciate the spectacular beauty of Washington. Here, I fell deeply in love with hiking. So many great things have happened here for me. So many moments in time that I will treasure forever.  

Be good to each other,  

Nathan  

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