Blue Bell Pass via Bullion Basin Winter Hike

 Today was sunny with very few clouds up in the Cascades, much better weather than was predicted. We had decided to head up to Bullion Basin at the Crystal Mtn Ski Resort for a new snowshoe trip, but when we saw the great weather, we choose to extend the trip to get great views. Plus there was very little snow, no snowshoes needed. We were able to do the entire hike with just our microspikes.
We followed the summer trail for most of the hike, we estimated our trip was 6 miles round trip with 2000 ft of elevation gain.
The trail starts behind the condos on the hill. Although there wasn't much snow, it was icy.

There was lots of running water, here we crossed a wooden bridge.

 A short way up the trail, the view opened up and we could see the peaks around the Crystal Ski area.

 Further up the trail, we could see Mt Rainier peaking over the ridge.












We crossed two avalanche chutes on our way to Bullion Basin, not enough snow to cause an avalanche today.
We reached Bullion Basin after 2 miles and 1500 ft of elevation gain. We took a short rest stop here, enjoying the sun

There is a lot of water under the snow at Bullion Basin, be careful where you walk.

Blue Bell Pass is another mile and about 500-600 feet of elevation gain from Bullion Basin. 

We found another small basin (or maybe upper Bullion Basin???) on the way up to Blue Bell Pass. The last section was the steepest part of the trail.

The views were spectacular, well worth the extra hiking.

 Panorama view from Mt Adams to Mt Rainier:

 Close up of Mt Rainier over the ridge line at Crystal Ski area.












Looking toward Mt Adams

After lunch, we walked to the end of Blue Bell Pass for more views.

Panorama from Mt Adams to Mt Rainier and Crystal Ski area and then to the west:

 Panorama of the views to the west and north. I think the view is of Norse Peak above, Bullion Basin lies below the tree line out of view.

Hiking down from Blue Bell Pass. It was hard to leave the pass, with the gorgeous views and sunny weather. We had the entire hike to ourselves today.

  After Bullion Basin, the hike down was with the views in front of us.