Collier Cone via Mathieu Lakes 26 July 2014

This is a stunning hike...one of my top five.  Either way you hike it - via Obsidian TH, Four in One Cone TH or Mathieu Lakes - it is gorgeous.  It doesn't matter which trail you take, all of them mean a 7 -8 mile hike just to get to Collier Cone's view of Collier Glacier.  My hike Saturday should have been about 15 ish miles but I added 2 to it by taking a wrong turn and getting too caught up in scenery to notice I was going away from my destination instead of closer!  Oh well, just more terrain explored.
17 + miles with 2000ft + alt gain

On the wrong trail...the PCT heading north instead of south - Mt Washington

Back on track...North Sister and South Mathieu Lake

heading through the lava fields with Yapoah Crater on the right (source of lava)

4 volcano view

rounding Yapoah

crossing over to the meadow at Scott's Pass TH junction with North, Middle Sister

Wildflowers were just getting going, but the bugs were out in full force

the final lava crossing to reach the lip of Collier Cone for the view

View of North, Middle Sister with Little Brother and Collier Glacier

view behind me

Collier Cone

one of my favorite areas to walk (see the trail to the left)

Afternoon light on South Mathieu Lake

South Mathieu Lake, Belknap Crater and Mt Washington from the Upper trail (PCT)

view of Collier Cone from Google Earth.  The view point is from the little pic icons.