The head wall of snow above Badger Valley was still there. The snow was starting to soften and we had foot steps to follow.The snow field is much larger around the corner of the trail. This is the view from the other end of the snowfield.
The next snowfield was smaller and easier to cross.
There were wildflowers growing in the rocks, including Olympic Violets.
Silky phacelia above Badger Valley
The hillsides were filled with wildflowers in bloom.
Wallflowers and phlox
cinquefoil
large meadow full of prairie smoke
Looking back along the flower lined trail to Obstruction Peak, Mt Olympus to the left.
We were very slow hikers this morning, soaking in the beauty of the wildflowers 
and the views!pano along the trail looking south
zoom of Mt Olympuslooking east as we slowly continued along the trail
We could see the areas we had done recent hikes along the far ridge: Baldy (3nd peak from the left) and the Needles (far right) Royal is on the other side.
We hike a little beyond the junction with the other trail down to Badger Valley (2.1 miles from Obstruction Point) and headed up and over Elk Mountain. View to the east, the Salish Sea appears to be under the clouds. Mt Baker is hazy in the far distance.
To the south is Grand Valley, we could see Grand Lake and Moose Lake in the valley.
To the northwest Klahhane Ridge and Mt Angeles rises above the clouds.
Heading to the top of Elk Mountain along the ridge, Mt Olympus to the left.pano from Elk Mountain looking south:
View of Mt Olympus from the top of Elk Mountain, fabulous place for a lunch break!
This trail is Grand!!! We continued to slowly hike back to the trailhead, soaking in these marvelous views,
and the wildflowers which bloom for such a short time.
This hike is stunning for not much effort, we felt on top of the world.some of the wildflowers seen along the trail this morning:
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