Hiked up to Norse Peak from the road to Crystal Mtn Ski Resort. Was interested to see this area after the 2017 Norse Fire. This hike is 10 miles round trip with 2,900 ft of gain.
The lower part of the trail was not affected by the fire, here we saw a little fall color between the evergreens.
Within a couple of miles, we entered the burn area, it was pretty extensive
Looking at the slopes going up towards Norse Peak.
Was surprised to see about a dozen lupine plants scattered through the trail with new blossoms on them this late in the season.
Lots of dead blackened trees.
As the trail gains elevation, we would see more and more of Mt Rainier to the south.
There were pockets of living green trees throughout the burn area.
About 4 miles up the trail, we reached a ridge, with Norse Peak about a mile away (right of center), Pano looking north.
Wide angle view to the south as we hiked on the ridge: the Goat Rocks, Mt Adams and Mt Rainier to the south
Trail along the ridge, looking back towards the west.
View of Basin Lake below Norse Peak
Pano from Norse Peak looking south:
Pano from Norse Peak looking north:
zoom of Mt Rainier from Norse Peak
zoom of Mt Adams and a hazy Mt Hood from Norse Peak
zoom of Mount Stuart from Norse Peak
zoom of Cascade Peaks and perhaps Glacier Peak in the far distance from Norse Peak
some of the flora seen along the trail today:
View of Basin Lake below Norse Peak
zoom of Mt Rainier from Norse Peak
