Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
07/22/2018
The first section of the trail is wide, well travelled, and hard packed.
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
07/22/2018
Toward the top of St. Mark's the trail becomes more challenging.
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
07/22/2018
St. Mark's has many people, even earlier in the morning. Prepare for crowds and the ever-present frustration of Bluetooth speakers.
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
07/22/2018
The trail on the ridge is scenic but rough.
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
07/22/2018
The trail meanders through the woods, between short alpine trees.
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
07/22/2018
Occasional tarns and ponds make appearances, though there is no safe drinking water.
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
07/22/2018
First summit of Unnecessary Mountain.
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
07/22/2018
Rocky granite ground that is typical of the alpine section of the trail.
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
07/22/2018
Occasional obstacles, like this shelf and boulders, are common.
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
07/22/2018
The trail spends a lot of time on rock, so paying careful attention to where the dirt starts again is key.
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
07/22/2018
The first glimpse of the Lions.
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
07/22/2018
Plenty of big sky to be had.
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
07/22/2018
Weaving through narrow Krumholtz trees.
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
07/22/2018
Looking out toward Mount Harvey, Mount Brunswick, and Mount Hannover, with the West Lion to the right.
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
07/22/2018
The Lions in all their glory. From the top third of Unnecessary Peak, they are incredibly enticing.
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
07/22/2018
Even in late July in a mediocre snow year there is plenty of snow on the trail in patches. Avalanches are still common in June.
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
07/22/2018
Another viewpoint that is too tempting to miss.
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
07/22/2018
Heading down the rope on one of the longer steep sections.
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
07/22/2018
Looking back toward one of the many peaks descended.
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
07/22/2018
The scramble section heading to the base of the West Lion.
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
07/22/2018
The Howe Sound Crest Trail with Mount Unnecessary in the center.
Tam McTavish
Photo Date: 
07/22/2018
Howe Sound Crest.