Mt. Dickerman (5,760')

Ben:
I have never hiked in the Alps, but I imagine it might be something like this--dense woods, steep trails, fields of alpine flowers above the timber line, and snow-covered mountains as far as you can see.

I know that since my plans didn't work out, I wasn't hiking with Mark.  Between the camping and this hike, I think I got a pretty authentic Northwest Woods experience, though. This is the beginning of the really steep, really switchbacky trail.  The locals seem to use this as some sort of perverse fitness test.  "How long did it take you?" 

Since the trail was so steep, I had the chance to take a few "photography breaks" on the way up.

After way more switchbacks than I expected, the trail popped out above the timberline.  What a view of the mountains!  Even with the smoke from the many nearby forest fires, it was still awe inspiring.

Almost there!  (I'm allowed to say that when I hike by myself.)

The top!  That's Glacier Peak in the background.  I think as I took this picture, Mark was hiking somewhere on the other side of that mountain.

Here's the view from the top, a little over 4,000 feet up from where I started.  (Click and drag to look around. Click the arrow in upper-right for full screen.)

 Definitely one of the steeper hikes I've done.

 I took some video during the day, as well.  Here's a few clips.