Collier Cone and Obsidian Trail Loop

I tried this loop last year in 3rd week of July. There was still significant amount of snow on the trail. Hiking on snow for a long time slowed us down. Due to time constraint, we decide to skip the Obsidian Falls trail and headed down Glacier Creek cutoff.

Sunset at Scott Lake

This year with low snow pack, I decided to attempt this loop again hoping to complete last year's route. We started at Obsidian TH and walked 1/2 mile to connect to Scott Trail. Following Scott trail is always super fun. This trail goes through some dense forest and moss covered trees. After about 5 miles, the trail breaks out of the forest at the base of four-in-one cone. It is about 1/4 mile climb up to the top of the cone, which is a great day hike by itself.

After four-in-one cone, the trail climbs a bit and intersect with PCT in the meadows area. There were no flowers last time I was here, but this time I had a great show of lupines and paintbrush plus some more flowers. After I climbed out of the meadow area, passing the Minnie Scott Spring, the trail climbs steeply to the top of Opie Dilldock Pass at the base of Collier Cone. I had a long day ahead of me, so I didn't plan to climb the cone, but the intent was to gain the ridge to have a view into Collier glacier and the glacier lake.

Scott Trail and PCT Junction

Lava fields

More lava than you can ever imagine!

View from Collier Cone

After enjoying the nice view and long lunch, it was time to go down. PCT passes through some think lava flow - more lava than you can ever imagine! At Sawyer Bar, the trail goes back in the woods. Here, the flower show was spectacular. Lupine everywhere - as far as your eye can see! I got to the Glacier Creek around 3PM. After taking another long break, filtering some extra water, I decide to follow northbound PCT for some more time to see Obsidian Falls. One mile section of PCT between Glacier Creek and Obsidian Falls ended up being the highlight of the trip. Abundant flowers and Obsidian everywhere!