This is a pretty rare sight. A swan in Cascade Lake. There are only a few in the park and was very suprised when I came upon this one so far out in the woods. A very good find! On my return to the trail head I found bear tracks OVER mine?! This was a little concerning since I was hiking alone and saw neither the bear or another hiker on the trail that day. I have no doubt that the bear was watching me at some point. All precautions are taken on every hike though, bear spray, whistle, ranger radio, make lots of noise so not to suprise the bear. The only thing I could do better is take friends along, but it's hard to get anyone to hike at 7am when there is snow on the ground and the bed is warm. Should I mention 2 hikers were attacked by a bear on Sept. 12th? Both walked away (one with minor scrapes) and that trail area is now closed for the season.