tiggymalvern | Source Lake

Source Lake was rather generously named, since it's definitely more of a large pond. It is, however, the source of the Snoqualmie River, so its status outweighs its size. And so do its surroundings. Monday was probably the last day of real summer - 79F/26C, shorts and a sleeveless shirt in October, I'll take it!

The trail starts by the ski resort - looking across the valley as the climb begins. The gap between the trees there is a ski run.

The trial climbs up along one side of the valley, slowly gaining more height above the bottom, and the autumn colours are really starting to show.

The flowers up there have finally have all gone to seed now.

Climbing up towards the head of the valley, after it splits from the Snow Lake trail.

Looking back along the trail as you approach the Source Lake overlook.

Lunch sitting on a rock, looking over Source Lake. The lake might be pitiful, but the rest of the view isn't!

It's possible to scramble down the boulder field to the lake itself, but I didn't bother - it's not really worth it, to be honest, the best view is from the valley slopes above. Could there be a more perfect October day?

Shorter this week, only about 5.5 miles total and 1000 feet. It gave me more time to just sprawl out in the sun :-)