Looking down Sibley Creek, and out to the great sweep of the Cascade River (confluence with the Skagit is almost the middle of the photo). Forest near and far are outside of congressional protection, despite being at the headwaters of this most important river system in the North Cascades. Note extensive clear-cuts on far side of the valley--they reach to 4,000 elevation! Low-and mid-level forests are key to biodiversity, a healthy ecosystem, and clean water for all of us.
Approaching Sibley Pass. The larger blocks in this image are the size of small cars. They are composed of dense, hard snow/ice. I ascended the "clean line" right up the center. I would not venture here if the peaks on the left were covered, and am actually glad to see the avalanches had occured--such "scrubbing" makes things a bit safer.
This is the S summit of Hidden Lake Peaks--North Cascades National Park is on the left of this crest, and unprotected lands on the right. Beyond the horizon cornices (left of image) is also unprotected. Note slab avalanches (center). While these are only a few inches thick, it was unnerving to traverse this slope--I cut the cornice at the finger/platform of bright snow along the skyline left (center of image). Great climbing up, and boot skiing down!
Cutting the cornice. The crest peaks visible here are in Glacier Peak Wilderness, though in a curious line on the map, the burned section along the S side of Johannesburg Mountain (Pincer Creek) is outside National Park and Wilderness. We seek to correct this, and include it, along with the left side of the foreground ridge in North Cascades National Park.
Here's a view of the Cascade River wending it's way out of the high Cascades--the river taakes a sharp left turn around the timbered/clearcut ridge at center-left.. Sibley Creek enters at center of image, from right. We hope to include the entire right side of the Cascade River in North Cascades National Park all the way down to close to the Skagit (left side of image)--currently unprotected and portions are clear-cut.
Another shot of the Cascade River that really reveals the clearcutting on the S side of the river, and just how high those logging roads go. This is embarrassing land use decision-making. These roads cost millions in up-front costs, and exact an incalculable toll on salmon runs by way of bleeding sediment in to the very headwaters of this magnificent river system.
The Cascade River section of the crest of the North Cascades. The Middle and South Forks of the Cascade River curve out of the heart of this amazing range of glacier-clad peaks. The left side valley, foreground, and ugly clearcuts on the S. side of the river fall outside congressional protection. This is where the river comes from, and is essential low elevation habitat for every living thing, including humans.
Glacier Peak looms behind the Buckindy group.
Same view as the last image, but pulled back. The twin forested ridges speak of the importance of low elevation habitat. If you look close, you'll see clearcuts on their lower footings. The lower forest reaches are being considered for protection by the CASCADES WILD team.
Kindy Creek is lovely, the clearcuts are not. Note the large waterfalls cascading down this incredibly linear drainage as Kindy provides significant flow to the Cascade River.
The Cascade River flows a vertical mile below Hidden Lake Lookout. Snowking Mountain with the Snowking Glacier beyond, with Three Fingers and Whitehorse seen in distance on right.
Yes, there really is a lovely little house cabled to the top of this fang of rock in the North Cascades. Friends of Hidden Lake Lookout are to be commended for their efforts in maintaining this amazing structure.
That's the main summit of Hidden Lake Peaks just off my left elbow. Beyond is Eldorado Peak. Parts of Ragged Ridge are seen in the far distance closely left of the foreground fang on which I stand. Mt. Logan and Torment-Forbidden are seen on far right of image. North Cascades National Park.
The west slopes of the Hidden Lake Peaks--this area is outside the National Park, and outside congressional protection. The plan is to include this, and the forested slopes below, in North Cascades National Park. Or some form of protection that recognizes the real worthiness and value of the landscape. Note my tracks--it's a long way to the top if you want to rock and roll.
