MT. BAKER-SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA :: I joined the McIvors and their energetic Weimaraners for a hike up Green Mountain, one of the most scenic trails along the Mountain Loop highway. We met in Darrington, and were eager to get on the 26 mile gravel road to the trailhead. My shiny new Pathfinder needed to be broken in, and the long, twisty, boulder-ridden road up the mountain was the perfect initiation. Jayson and Jessica followed close behind in their Land Rover, just in case.

The Pathfinder handled the bumps and loose rocks just fine, but I couldn't believe I had actually brought my Intrepid up this way last year. I dragged that poor car over so many forest roads, it's a wonder it lasted as long as it did.

The trail up Green Mountain climbs 3000', going fairly easy and steady at first through an old growth forest. The forest gives way to a series of switchbacks up a mountain meadow filled with colorful wildflowers. Every time we walked by a certain purple variety, Jayson claimed he had the same plant growing in his garden.

At about three miles the trail levels out near a tarn and some campsites. The final mile is the steepest, so we took a short break. We could now see our destination at the top of Green Mountain. "That doesn't look that far up," said Jayson.

About twenty minutes later, our calves are screaming for mercy, our lungs are burning, and the sweat is pouring down our faces. We make it to the top at 6500'. It's a strenuous climb, although not nearly as bad as Gothic Basin a couple weekends before. It's worth it, though. The view of Glacier Peak is jaw-dropping, and we were surrounded by dozens of other peaks under a crystal clear sky. Awesome!

After fiddling around with our cameras and eating sandwiches for lunch, we headed back down. Jessica took over my trekking poles for the descent and found they helped relieve the pressure on her knees. Jayson pointed out more purple flowers, the marmots were whistling like mad, and we dreamed of hiking in Switzerland next summer... I have one year to try to convince Kristie to go!

I love to hike,looking @ your very sharp photos and reading the details of your hike to green moutain,I decided to hike it with the wife and kids.Q:Can I take a 2 wheel drive car?And is there dangerouse animals around the trail?How would we get there?