Photo Journal: Mount Pilchuck, Cascade Range, Washington

“Humankind has not woven the web of life. We are but one thread within it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves. All things are bound together. All things connect.” – Chief Seattle 

Location: Pilchuck State Park, Snohomish, Washington

Trail: Mount Pilchuck Lookout Trail

Impression: Expansion

We ascended the mountain steadily, traversing under thick canopy and through mounds of shale. We reached the summit after crawling over a series of boulders. The lookout was nothing short of breathtaking, with views of Puget Sound, Mt. Baker, Mt. Rainer, and the Cascade range. As far as the eye can see, the mountains roll in every direction, extending to the horizon. And, as if diffusing into mist, the mountains acquire the semblance of mystical properties. The blue hues compliment the ivory of the exposed rock cliffs and the green of the foliage and forest beneath. Standing above the world, we struggle to find words to describe the sheer awe we’re experiencing. Our descent was lit by the setting sun. The familiar blue sky metamorphosed into a warm palette of tangerine and mauve. We reached the trailhead in darkness.