Day Hike - Sheep Lake & Nannie Ridge

Gravel roads approaching Walupt Lake are in good condition. Trailhead parking at Walupt Lake is limited on weekends. We hiked 10.5 miles, and gained  2,000 ft. in elevation, including the side trip up Nannie Peak. We departed the trailhead at 9 a.m. and reached Sheep Lake shortly after noon. The hike up to Nannie Ridge is a long, steady climb. We practiced rest step and pressure breathing and worked on maintaining a steady pace. The wildflowers were beautiful along Nannie Ridge and at Sheep Lake. There were a few bugs, but they weren't bad. After lunch we hiked the short distance to the Pacific Crest Trail junction and looped around Sheep Lake before starting our return trip. At the south end of Nannie Ridge, we took the side trail up Nannie Peak, to the site of the old lookout. The views of Mt. Adams,  Mt. St. Helens, and the surrounding area were outstanding. The trail up Nannie Peak was in good condition and was easy to follow. We returned to the trailhead at 4:15 p.m. Everyone in the group did very well.