Mt. Hardy Burn
(Milepost 153)

From the Diablo Lake Overlook, SR 20 continues its gradual ascent towards Rainy and Washington Passes. Forest habitat starts to change to Mountain Hemlock, Pacific Silver and Subalpine Fir communities. Associated birdlife adapts to higher elevation and cooler temperatures where weather can change rapidly.

Immediately past milepost 153, turn left at the gravel road on the northeast side of the highway that leads a short way to a gravel pile. Park on the north side of the pile. A short walk around this area can produce Blue Grouse, Mountain Chickadees, White-winged Crossbills and two species of Swift. Red-breasted Sapsucker, Gray Jay, Hermit Thrush, Townsend's Warbler, and Lincoln's Sparrow make up only a small list of what may be available from the gravel pile area.

To the east of the gravel pile a fading fire-crew trail leads up to the burn. This trail is not maintained and is in fairly poor shape but can be followed with patience. Be advised that the trail can be difficult in places and extreme caution should be exercised. After a steep hike the "trail" leads out of the trees to the open burn area. Birding here can be excellent in spring and early summer.

Watch for Clark's Nutcrackers swooping from tree to tree and listen for the nasal songs of Mountain Chickadees. Gray Jays, Townsend's Solitaires and Red Crossbills can be observed in good numbers, and Hermit Thrushes sing their song in minor key. Red-naped Sapsuckers search for nesting cavities among old snag trees and the possibility of Spruce Grouse and Gray Crowned Rosy Finch exist. Black-backed and Three-toed Woodpeckers have been reported here as well as Mountain Bluebirds and Calliope Hummingbirds.

Take the time to look around as the views are spectacular. Here one can observe a classic glacier scoured "U" shaped valley that SR 20 now winds through. Northern Goshawks and Peregrine Falcons are possible in the deep sky and other raptors follow the highway corridor. In summer, butterflies abound in this high open habitat, and numerous species of dragonflies are present. Listen for the call of the Pika, otherwise known as the "rock rabbit", and here Yellow Pine Chipmunk start to replace the more western Townsend's Chipmunk. Please use caution among these high spaces. Habitat is fragile, and the land is steep, and help is far away. Use good judgement.

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