Spider Meadows had been on my backpacking to do list for a few years and I finally got around to it this past weekend of late August.  We arrived at the trailhead Friday evening to try to beat the crowds on this popular route.  Despite the surprising number of cars at the trailhead we didn't encounter the hoards of hikers we imagined.  We hiked over the glacier and down towards Lyman Lakes, camping at the upper lakes as Lyman Lake was still a ways off.  The next morning we trekked back up over Spider Gap, took a lunch break at Phelps Basin, and headed back to the car.  Probably about 21 miles all together and my feet were ready to be out of those boots!

Spider Meadow

Lyman Lake

Camping at upper Lyman Lakes

Heading back up to Spider Gap.  Lyman Glacier on right.

Church Mountain

This was my first time doing this hike to Church Mountain.  I went with a couple girlfriends and two well behaved dogs.  If you are looking for a rigorous hike with spectacular views this is a great one.

It starts with a series of brutal switchbacks and eventually opens up into a meadow that, at this time of year, was filled with flowers.  There were lots of biting flies but I managed without bug spray and only sustained one bite on my back.  

At the top there weren't many bugs fortunately, so we were able to relax and take in the view .  There are excellent views of Mt Baker, Glacier Peak, and even the Canadian Rockies!  Total mileage round trip is 8.5 miles with 3700 feet of elevation gain.  More info on WTA: 
 http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/church-mountain  

Meadow after the switchbacks

Dogs cooling off in the stream.  The flies were brutal here.

Looking towards Canada

Great views in all directions