The night at Ridge Lake improved as the wind died. I was actually super cozy in my quilt. When I went to bed, I filled my small 400ml Nalgene with hot water and cuddled up with it. The extreme ultralighters would condone this as the Nalgene is heavier than a soda bottle but I find it invaluable for morning coffee (can’t put hot water in a thin plastic bottle), electrolyte drinks during the day (just shake) and for these cold nights – and I wouldn’t trust a soda bottle in my quilt. One of my favourite gear items (all my other bottles are Smartwater bottles and a soda bottle – lasting a full thru hike and longer!).
![](https://biggihikes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/img_3864.jpg)
We have accumulated more tent neighbours and some are not being very considerate, like the dad “next door” who talked so loudly to his kids after they arrived late, I actually for the first time on this trip put my headphones on at night and watched a downloaded show (I usually read every evening on my Kindle – another luxury item).
![](https://biggihikes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/img_3879-1024x768.jpg)
We were happy to wake to blue skies and no wind but the tent and Tyvek were wet and we stopped midday to dry everything in the sun.
![](https://biggihikes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/img_3875.jpg)
Throughout the day we had amazing views, looking back at Mt Rainier and down onto beautiful lakes.
![](https://biggihikes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/img_3871-1024x768.jpg)
For much of the day the hiking was relatively slow and technical, with lots of sharp rocks to navigate. We had 3 good uphills to get the sweat going again, as well as steep downhills with rocks and roots. Definitely not an area for fast miles!
![](https://biggihikes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/img_3877.jpg)
A little bit of snow is still left in some areas but definitely no snow traverses.
![](https://biggihikes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/img_3867-768x1024.jpg)
We came by a nice waterfall and met a few people during the day … but luckily the masses of Snoqualmie Pass are over and done with. It’s still a well used trail but much more quiet away from the day and overnight hikers.
![](https://biggihikes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/img_3873-1024x768.jpg)
Dropping down steeply into the valley, we are camped at only 3200ft. It should be a warm night. We have a nice campspot by the creek with a view of the mountains north.
![](https://biggihikes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/img_3881.jpg)
Dinner is done … always something to look forward to, even though I always feel like eating more. But we are carrying food for 6 days so I have to leave enough calories for the next days. Here is a score from the store at Snoqualmie: 420 calories for a tiny bar 👍🏻
![](https://biggihikes.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/img_3861-1024x801.jpg)