Our annual vacation to visit family on the farm in Washington has also yielded another benefit. My brother-in-law, Justin, and I have been able to "pick a volcano" and take a hike into the pristine wilderness surrounding the monster domes. Last year we hiked Naches peak for an unobstructed view of Mt. Rainier (see Mt. Rainier Hike) and this year's adventure started at Taknakh Lake near Mt. Adams. It can be really challenging to pick a day to hike where you can actually see a volcano. In early August, Justin determined that our best chance to see one would be Mt. Adams as Rainier and St. Helens were likely clouded in. This turned out to be the case....

For more on Mt. Adams, visit my blog: http://Blaze-A-Trail.blogspot.com/2011/11/thriving-on-mt-adams.html