Mt Baker - Lake Ann (U.S.): Intermediate

Mt Baker - Lake Ann (U.S.); Moderatly challenging intermediate hike
Join me to view falls and its colourful presentation in outstanding Lake Ann trail, Mount baker National Park, In the United States. Upon reaching Lake Ann we further continue our hike for an additional 45 minutes to 1 hour approaching Mount Shuksan glacier, for much more breathtaking views.
Washington trails Association provides the best description for Lake Ann (https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/lake-ann-1) It describes the hike as: “Discover a pleasant alpine lake alternative to nearby, crowded Lake Ingalls.

Access Lake Ann from the Emeralda Basin Trailhead. After 0.4 miles of hiking, come to a junction. The right-hand trail leads up and away to Longs Pass, and eventually the ever-popular Lake Ingalls, but you'll take the left-hand fork and continue north on the Esmerelda Trail. The trail to Lake Ann and beyond is rugged, steep and narrow and can be hard to follow at points.

Hike through meadows and take several switchbacks into a high basin with the North Fork Teanaway River meandering through the bottom. The trail climbs through open, rocky terrain with views of Esmeralda Peaks to the southeast, as well as views overlooking Lake Ann.
After finishing hiking beautiful lake Ann trail and having a quick break, we will continue our hike up to ward Mount Shuksan glacier which will add another 1.5-2 hours to our hike. Our endeavour will be rewarded with more breathtaking views.

There is a limit, however, imposed by the US Forest services to keep the groups up to 12 people. Of course, if there are more than 12 people interested to join us, we can divide the numbers into 2 groups, subject to have volunteers to lead the additional groups.
Swimming would be possible, for polar bears, weather dependent.
The trails surface is a combination of tree roots, outcrop, gravel and soil. Since portions of the trail are more technical than others, hikers recommend coming prepared with hiking boots, poles, enough water, and the trail maps downloaded in case folks accidentally head off trail when exploring some of the many viewpoints.
*Before pressing attend please be certain you'll attend. In the case of 3 "No-Shows" or 3 "Not Going", attendees may be removed from the group. For the same reason, please exercise common sense and common courtesy when using Event Chat
*If you are on the waitlist and are not confirmed, please do not attend. We limit group size for some hikes for safety and logistical reasons.
Difficulty, Distance, and Elevation:
Moderately challenging Intermediate , 14 km trail (loop) , and 600 meters of elevation gain; in addition to the extra distance and elevations gained to go to the base of Mount Shuksan.
Meeting At: I recommend arriving at the Sumas crossing no later than 7 AM. Then stop at Super-Duper Boomtown gas station (1015 Cherry St.), located immediately after border crossing, on the US side, and the right-hand side.
From this location, we will be driving to Mount Baker Highway (542) for about 30 miles to the Ranger Station at the Glacier Public Service Centre in the town of Glacier**, where we need to buy a $5 parking pass per car**. We will be continuing our journey toward artist point.. Parking for Lake Ann is located shortly before artist point on the left-hand side.

We will start our hike at the lake Ann trailhead at 9 o’clock in the morning.

NOTE: In case of any unexpected delay at the border, the duration of delay will be considered to adjust the start of hiking time.
Parking: Lake Ann trail head parking lot. If you find the trail head parking to be full, we can park carefully at the shoulder of the road.
Transit: Carpooling. Please advise who can drive so attendees can contact you to arrange car poling. Standard carpooling fee is $8.00 per hour.
Recommended Hiking Clothing, Footwear and Gear:

1. Hiking boots or Hiking Shoes
2. Small Daypack or Hiking backpack + 3 liters of water + Lunch + Snacks.
3. Sweater or a hoodie
4. Sunglasses and a Hat, Sunscreen if required (all optional)
5. Gloves or Mittens
6. Rain jacket (optional: if the sky is overcast or raining)
7. Bathing suit and towel (optional: if the weather is good, we may go for a swim after the hike)
8. 10 Essentials
   Please do not forget your passport. Attendees are responsible to ensure they have no entry restrictions to the United States.
   Attendees who do have Canadian Passport and carry US entry Visa, are recommended to form a different carpool, and arrive at the border by 6:30 AM.
   Carpool list:
   **https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Q0rpK2NRpr3MLRP2XgmSzGEOvYmjYuAU7GGyrBiPq4Q/edit?gid=0#gid=0**

LEGAL INFORMATION, LIABILITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
We are a group of volunteers. We are NOT a professional organization or pro trail guides and/or pro event organizers. We will, however, look out for each other. The organizer and any/all assistant organizers and other attendees are in no way responsible and liable for your personal safety and health state, before, during and at anytime after this event. Risks of attending hiking events include but are not limited to: getting lost; slipping and falling; snow and ice; extreme cold; extreme heat; dangerous animals; falling trees or brush; falling rocks or landslides; fire; flooding; bridge failure; unstable ground; and falling in fast moving water.
As a condition of your participation in the event, you assume all risk of personal injury, death or property loss resulting from any cause whatsoever including NEGLIGENCE, BREACH OF CONTRACT OR BREACH OF ANY DUTY OF CARE ON THE PART OF THE HOST. You agree that the host shall not be liable for any personal injury, death or property loss and release the host from all liability and waive all claims with respect thereto.
Negligence includes failure on the part of the host to take reasonable steps to safeguard or protect you from or warn you of the risks, dangers and hazards referred to above. You assume all cost of your own rescue or evacuation.
By RSVP'ing "Yes", for this event, you acknowledge that you fully understand and accept the aforementioned conditions and following event attendance conditions and, you are solely responsible for your own health, safety and well-being before, during and at anytime after the event as stated previously.
All attendees shall forever hold harmless the organizers and other attendees and unconditionally waive any liabilities resulting from attending and/or participating in this event.