Went on a hike today to the Thorton Lakes in eastern Skagit County. It was 11 miles round trip and about a 2800' elevation gain on the trip in. Didn't see any critters, the berry crop up there was not only still green but almost nonexistent, normally there are a few bears in the area but not this year, nothing to eat.
This is a waterfall on the way in:

Thornton Creek log crossing:

View across Skagit Valley on the way up:

A good sign, means I'm almost there:

A view of Trapper Peak:

Lower Thornton Lake:

Middle Thorton Lake:

Mount Triumph in the very background:

The hiker playing with his camera timer:

View across Skagit Valley from the top:
