4 Passes Loop

Family with two kids (8/10) did that loop 35+ years ago. Picked it out from a topo on the way driving there. We had planned something else; no permit; or indication where to park. Found a nice place on grass under a tree near another car. It was an idyllic hike for the kids. We didn't know the passes were named - one we just named 12345 for the altitude. The early part of the trail included a 'bushwhack' across a long beaver dam, some route finding in higher areas and inspiration that we made all the passes and the trip in two camps. It didn't occur to us there were 4 passes until they kept coming at us like waves at a beach. The trail was not all that evident once well above timberline so it was back to the map often to make sure we didn't take a wrong pass -- altitude paranoia.

The last pass (going counter clockwise) was a challenging run down to as low as we could get to survive a huge thunderstorm approaching us. The kids were delighted in the adventure, the adults were contemplating doom as the black mass rolled closer. I don't recall a trail from the pass down until near timberline. While huddled in the tent still above timberline in an expansive meadow, it was a grand down pour, hail and lightning everywhere while drinking hot chocolate in candle light. Going up to the pass we had not even an inkling it was there. The last morning watching the sun come up would be one of those times the kids would treasure.

Even more remarkable, I think we saw 8 people total on the trail - including at the first lake. It seemed an unrelenting uphill with another pass following the 'false' pass we had just scrambled over. As I remember there were not a lot of switch backs leading up to the passes. It proved perseverance triumphs - for the kids.

Never a care about bears even though we saw one (and beaver and a coyote trying to figure its best approach for an early lunch).