Highway 99 TH to the Pilot Rock Area

Ten of us, decked out in our rain gear, enjoyed a rainy then foggy day hiking on the PCT to the base of Pilot Rock at Babbit Gap. We covered 6 miles RT with over 1,000’ elevation gain. Tysen joined me as co-leader in Kay’s absence, and contributed his superb photos.

Along the trail, we were delighted to see some fall color in the plant life, most vibrant being yellow Rabbitbrush (checked it out with Liz), and various bright red of berries on trees, bushes, and low climbing stocks. Our clearest view of Pilot Rock came early as we traversed the open ridge with views southeast and westward. Harry had us take a short side walk off the PCT on an intersecting trail to view Pilot Rock, which showed as a vague outline.

By the time we reached Babbit Gap so close to the base of Pilot, we couldn’t see even its outline. Reorienting our focus, we saw nearby beauty in front of our noses and down the mountainside full of color. It’s a reminder that our hikes bring us to beautiful sights in virtually any kind of weather, and we see easily missed beauty when mesmerized on a clear day by the usual highlights on the horizon.

Hike Leader: Elisabeth

Photos By: Tysen