My first time in the Pasayten Wilderness this past week. I like it l. A lot. ° Growing up in North Georgia, I was surrounded by lush, green forests. Forests similar to lands west of the Cascade Crest. As a result, I appreciate the more arid nature of the eastern slopes of the Cascade Crest. The lands are just as rugged yet their grounds are more open to the sun. Perhaps my appreciation for more arid climates is a small part of why Yosemite, and the Sierra Range as a whole, sits so high in my mind. ° The "backside" of Silver Star Mountain and the Silver Star Glacier are seen here a little right of center. I like being able to see peaks I've summitted from afar; it emboldens my spirit and reinforces my courage to do more. ° 📸 July 2018 📍 Pasayten Wilderness, Mazama, WA ° ° ° #CascadiaExplored #Cascades #PNW #PNWonderland #PacificNorthwest #PNWonderland #rei1440project #HikingCulture #NorthCascadesHighway #NorthCascades #northcascadesnationalpark #NCNP #NPS #FindYourPark #Washington #WashingtonState #Northwest #Pasayten #PasaytenWilderness #Yosemite #HighSierra #arid #nature #NikonD3400 #Nikon #SilverStar (at Pasayten Wilderness)