Secret of Wallace Falls
& Thunder Glacier

~ Mt. Baker Wilderness ~
7-20-2003

Ken James McLeod

Wallace Falls © Ken James McLeod

"The way up was steep and we sweated profusely as we climbed due to the muggy weather this day."

Enter Mt. Baker Wilderness:

Upon climbing straight up a brushy rib from where we had parked my good friend's (Glen Lee) 4x4 GMC truck, we traversed the spine of a precipitous ridge towards our goal . . . the high meadow rocky snow-filled park-like land beneath the Black Buttes and that of the area just short of Thunder Glacier on Mt. Baker.

Lured by the overwhelming desire for view, we continued our trek up until we reached the elevation of about 5,500 feet. And wham! "What a beautiful cirque, morrain, and meadows in the shadow of Mt. Baker. Here, we were in awe of the Wallace Creek Falls and Thunder Glacier above. Four huge waterfalls cascaded therefrom the glacier as well as the surrounding high land. Above loomed Lincoln, Seward, and Colfax Peaks --- the Black Buttes. Most impressive to say the least! The view west was just as spectacular if not more breathtaking, for the Twin Sisters Range was simply enchanting beyond the tarns that lay at our feet. Mere words can't effectively describe the beauty of the view as seen from our vantage point, except that it is "Enchanting." And that is the secret of the Wallace Falls area of Thunder Glacier.

We had come seeking adventure and view and we weren't disappointed. And once again, I had entered the Alpine Zone, my heart was in full song and my being & soul content amid the gentle mountain breeze.....

KJM

(McPilchuck)

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