Esmerelda Basin

 We drove out to the Teanaway to hike the Esmeralda Basin Trail up to the Lake Ann overlook. This is an 8 mile round trip hike with 2,234 ft of gain. We saw lots of wildflowers in bloom.

 There was lots of water in the North Fork of the Teanaway River

 bright yellow asters in bloom along the trail

















The meadows were filled with shooting stars, Esmeralda Peaks in the background

 Lots of streams went across the trail, these were easy to cross and most were lined with shooting stars

 View of Esmeralda Peaks from further up the trail

Trail opens up as it gains in elevation.

 Cascading creek with lots of shooting stars on the banks.

 squirrel

 About 3 miles from the trailhead, we took the trail on the right up towards Lake Ann. This is a steep trail. There were some glacier lilies still in bloom.


















In the far distance, above the clouds, we could see the top of Mt Rainier









Wide angle view from the ridge above Lake Ann looking northwards. Lake Ann below Ingalls Peak

 North west, we saw Mt Daniles, Hinman and Hawkins Peak in the distance.

 Views of Esmeralda Basin as we hike back down the trail.









some of the many wildflowers we saw in bloom along the trail today: