I decided to do an ‘adventure jog’ of desolation. Opted for sleeping in my bed and did an alpine start, leaving bellingham at 2am.
Started from the east bank trailhead on highway 20 around 4am. It was a balmy 35 degrees when I left the car and it didn't warm up much throughout the day.
A few blow downs to cross but easily managed. Tons of water everywhere. A lot of the fall foliage has made its way to the ground, obscuring some of the trail. otherwise very nice rolling terrain with some excellent views of ross lake.
Snow line started at the desolation camp (~5,200’) only about a mile or so of snow travel to the summit, mostly ankle deep but some drifts that caused post-holing to the knees.
The lookout was locked up for the season. The summit was obscured by clouds so I didn’t get to see much but I’ve heard its got some pretty good views up there!
Made it back to the car by 3:45pm, total time was about 11:42 car to car, mostly jogging the downhills and flats and speed walking the uphills. My watch told me 43 miles, it sure felt like it!