Hiking to Sicox Hut

As we waited at the steps of  Timberline Lodge for our guide, I enjoyed checking out the several containers of seasonal flowers.

Also, even though it was late in the season, there were still several varieties of wildflowers to be seen.

I took a slow route, stopping frequently to take photographs, while DH and the dogs stayed up with the tour.  Much of the year, this area above the timberline is covered in snow.  The views were spectacular, and from this vantage point, you could see great views of Mt. Hood and the Cascades. 

It's a pretty steep hike.  In one mile you go from 6,000 to 7,000 feet!  I must confess, forgot my asthma inhaler and had to wimp out about 2/3's of the way up and go back to Timberline.

Below, an old water tower

view of the Cascades, dotted with lakes

There were quite a few skiers on Palmer Glacier, some of them took this route down to the lodge instead of taking the lift.

Silcox Hut, a warming area for hikers and a site for private dinners and lodging.  Guests are transported by Sno Cats from the lodge. http://www.timberlinelodge.com/silcox-hut/

The dogs went the whole route and slept for two days!

Deer at the Mountain

The last week of August, we took a few days off to enjoy some time at Mt. Hood.  This is such a beautiful time of year up there as the leaves are just starting to turn.  We had a couple of damp days early in the week, and it brought out some lovely visitors-we looked and found this sweet buck in the meadow.  He showed up in several shots and must have been as curious about us as we were of him.

For about three days, the deer arrived at dawn and dusk and then as the weather improved, we didn't see them again.  All in all, we saw about 5 adults and tweens-more than we had seen in years.  I don't know if  that says anything about the upcoming winter, but we sure enjoyed the company.