13page

Talk about a dream job: Photographer Ethan Welty roved secluded valleys and isolated mountaintops as an artist-in-residence at Washington’s North Cascades National Park last summer. That was just the capstone on eight years he’s spent photographing the area. Here are a few of his favorite spots. You’d probably jump for joy here, too. And why not? This little tarn with 10,781-foot Mt. Baker looming in the background isn’t even the main attraction of the easy-access, 4.1-mile Lake Ann Trail just outside the park’s southern boundary. Understandably, this view and camping at Lake Ann (Northwest Forest Pass required; Mt. Baker Wilderness Lake Ann A Discerning Eye $30) draw summer- time crowds from the trailhead near the Mt. Baker Ski Area lodge. “There is no doubt that Lake Ann is among the most scenic, easily accessed campsites in the greater North Cascades,” Welty says. Hike it midweek to avoid weekend crowds. Info bit.ly/lakeAnn Pro Shots View more of pho- tographer Ethan Welty’s work from his home range at back- packer.com/welty 03.2014 BACKPACKER 11