Google Earth Community: Mount Pugh

Mt. Pugh is about 15 miles south of Darington and is at the border line of Glacier Peak wilderness. The hike is not reccomended for people who are out of shape. The trail starts out hiking through woods, and the first switch back is almost a mile long, then before you get to the lake, there are around 10 switch backs to get to the lake. From the lake which is 1.5 miles from the Trailhead, and makes a wonderful Picknik or resting spot. If your lucky, you will get a reflection of Mount Pugh, although often times because of the water bugs, they mess up the reflcetion. From the lake, you switch back up the mountain which can be tiresome to begginers. The side of the trail gets steep so do not come here before May because of steep snow. Makes a great camping spot which is at the bottom of a bolder field, and is sheltered by large rocks. From the Camping spot, if you want a nice hiking view, I recommend going up to Stujack Pass, which is only about half a mile but has about 1,000 feet of elevation gain which is what makes this part of the trip so difficult. There are very many switchbacks at this part and be sure to watch your step because Stujack Pass is very steep and also I recommend a jacket or long sleeved shirt because there are lots of bees at this part and black flies. Once you get up to Stujack, you are rewarded with wonderful views! After getting to Stujack Pass, for those who are in the mood for more exiting views, you can hike up the Pugh ridge were the views get even better! From here you get a nice view of the Pugh Glacier, and all the other surrouning mountains. The ridge is recommended June-September, and any other seasons can be dangerous going here and beyond, even in June, it is dangerous here so please be catious. Also it is even some what dangerous any time of the year because of its knife like ridge, and hiking books consider the acent to the summit a Scabmle and but Mount Pugh on the high scale of difficuly but is non technicle.

"Looking toward Bedal at Sunset"