Fortunately for Rob’s soul, there was an alternative trail out of the basin that met up with the loop trail. It skipped the highest part of the trail as well.
We hiked out through the basin, passing several lakes.
Once we got to the main trail, Rachel and I put down our packs and hiked back up (up!) the trail to see what we missed. We missed marmots!
But not much else.
Another beautiful day, although the clouds hid the mountains. including Mount Olympus.
We found another campsite overlooking the valley. Rob and I parked ourselves on the side of the hill and scanned for bears. But didn’t see any.