Panhandle Gap

This is the highest part of the Wonderland trail around Mount Rainer. The hike up to this point is all rocks and dirt, a wasteland except for pool of water from the melting snow. Once over this rise, you are in a different world filled with lush greenery, flowers, and animals.

This photo was taken during the California wildfires of that year. The affect was seen this far away. A few days later, flying out of Portland OR my flight was canceled because of the smoke.