Appleton Pass-Cat Lake Traverse,  Olympic National Park,  Sep 8, 2008 - Sep 12, 2008     page 6 / 71

Shortly after crossing the creek, the trail emerges from the trees for a quarter mile among slide alder and vine maple. Some of the vine maple were showing the first signs of fall color along this otherwise green section of trail.

The trail continued through the woods. The forest became thinner as we climbed. We passed a couple of small tarns near 4600 feet. Though these small potholes appeared somewhat stagnant, the water looked fine for treating and drinking. The ranger indicated there was a camp near these bodies of water, though we saw none.