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November 28, 2013 7.5 miles 2,000 feet gained
A beautiful day to give thanks and what better place to do so than in one of the Creator's masterpieces, the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. A quartet of tryptophan-phobic aging amblers set off under azure blue skies for a ramble to Lake Dorothy. The morning was brisk, the air clear and fresh, the mood reflective and joyful. The trail was in decent shape, relativel...
November 26, 2013 8 miles 3,250 feet gained
Had planned to do Bare Mountain earlier this fall but was thwarted by downed power lines following a wind storm so when a friend asked where we should go this week I suggested Bare Mountain and he agreed. After a long ride to the trailhead, passing through a major logging operation, we set out on very rocky tread, crossing countless small streams as we heade...
November 24, 2013 7.5 miles 2,500 feet gained
The plan was to do one more hike in the North Fork Sauk area off the Mountain Loop Highway before the road was closed due to snow. The route was simple: head up the Red Mountain Lookout Trail then descend and travel the North Fork Sauk Trail to Mackinaw Shelter or, time and energy permitting, White Pass. The trail to the old lookout was in pretty good shape ...
November 22, 2013 6.5 miles 1,750 feet gained
Yet another beautiful day in the PNW saw two of her aging sons head out into the sun kissed brisk fall air planning to head up to Townsend Mountain. With a 4WD truck for conveyance we were certain we could make it to the fisherman's trail leading to Eagle Lake and head up without difficulty. Hah! declared the winter witch with wanton disregard for our desire...
November 21, 2013 6.5 miles 3,250 feet gained
What a glorious day: bright sunshine, clear skies, views as far as one cares to look, and not another person in sight. Once the trailhead is found (somewhat tricky, even with directions from recent hike reports) one immediately enters a sylvan sanctuary and quickly comes upon a junction: choose the low road and Silver Creek is heard before seen, the result o...
November 17, 2013 8.5 miles 750 feet gained
After seeing all the snow yesterday, it was decided to break out the skis (and not any body parts) and test the sticks for the first time since April. The plan was to start at Coal Creek Road from the locked gate at the Big Four Ice Caves trailhead and head up as far as we could. Unfortunately, a few 4WD vehicles must have had the same plan and we soon aband...
November 16, 2013 5.5 miles 2,000 feet gained
Ah, the best laid plans of mice and men were not to be this day. After a planned trip to northcentral Washington was shelved due to heavy snow falling in the passes and the lack of a 4WD vehicle (or at least one with some actual ground clearance), we headed to the Mountain Loop Highway, the plan to go through Barlow Pass and head up FS 49 for a leisurely tre...
November 11, 2013 13 miles 2,250 feet gained
Headed out this Veteran's Day from Everett at 6AM for the long drive south to the trailhead after receiving an invite to hike the Greenwater and Echo Lakes Trail in the Norse Peak Wilderness. The day at first struggled to move beyond the morning mists but succeeded as we arrived at the trailhead. We three wasted no time in heading out on the trail. The softn...
November 9, 2013 8.5 miles 2,750 feet gained
Ah, the glorious wonder that is the Olympic National Forest. On a day the weather prognosticators deemed but little chance for precipitation free skies, the clouds kindly withheld dispensing their offerings until a trio of tired city dwellers had enjoyed a stress-relieving day traipsing through a moss carpeted sylvan sanctuary that willingly yielded to soft ...
November 3, 2013 10 miles 3,000 feet gained
Today's original destination was Bare Mountain but downed power lines resulted in closing the access road so a quick decision was made to head to Snow and Gem Lakes. In hindsight, I think God was telling me to change destinations so I could see the winter wonderland awaiting those of us living in western Washington. It was an absolutely incredible day for hi...
November 1, 2013 5.5 miles 2,250 feet gained
When the rains did not materialize today I decided to head out for a quick hike up to Independence and North Lakes off the Mountain Loop Highway. Fog was lingering at about the 4000 foot mark but there was no rain, and the sun even made a few brief appearances. Heading along the trail one is struck how aged and peaceful it is here. The trees were clearly eld...
October 28, 2013 12 miles 1,500 feet gained
Dibs, my 13 1/2 yo Dachshund/Chihuahua mix, decided he wanted to go for a stroll in the woods today and suggested we head out to the North Fork Sauk River Trail, which happens to be one of his favorite sylvan sauntering sites. After a late start, we arrived at the trailhead just before noon, finding but one other car there. We immediately set out beneath clo...
October 26, 2013 8.5 miles 2,250 feet gained
Another beautiful day for a hike and the thinking was to head over to Mount Lillian and the site of the 2012 Tabletop Fire to see the last hurrah of this year's larches. With sunny skies and a brisk temperatures, we started out from the Ken Wilcox Horse Camp, across from Haney Meadow. Following FR 9712 for a short walk we turned onto the Naneum Meadows Trail...
October 24, 2013 8 miles 3,000 feet gained
Another incredible day in the Pacific Northwest. Hard to believe it is the last week in October and the weather in the mountains continues to be spectacular. Bright sunshine, temps in the 50s, and clear blue skies greeted me when I arrived at the trailhead this morning. Not a soul in sight as I started out. A chipmunk greeted me almost as soon as I hit the t...
October 20, 2013 12 miles 2,750 feet gained
Hit the trifecta today with a third consecutive day of outstanding weather (am getting concerned about the payback, however). Planned to hike the Pratt Lake Trail to the lake itself but, after seeing the sun shining from the southwest decided to head to Island Lake instead. After escaping the coolness of the forest and attaining a saddle we were presented wi...
October 19, 2013 13 miles 2,750 feet gained
The I90 corridor is my least favorite hiking area: it is crowded; casual hikers and dog walkers without manners treat the living forest like a commodity to be used and disposed of; the constant humming of tires from the expressway and jets roaring overhead, an ever-present reminder of man's self-destruction ingenuously referred to as progress; and, cell phon...
October 18, 2013 11 miles 3,500 feet gained
This was a near perfect day for hiking: blue skies, moderate temperatures, brilliant sunshine, and very few people (ran into one heading back after scrambling Mt. Forgotten, 2 others as I headed back to the car). The trail is in very good shape and, except for a quarter mile slog on a road to the old trail head, it is enjoyable. Starting in forest, moss-drap...
October 13, 2013 8.5 miles 2,000 feet gained
Led a quartet to one of my favorite places, Lake Serene. Arrived at the trail head at 8AM to find only one other car and a sky beginning to clear. With cool temperatures and an expectation of sun we headed out on the old road. Fortunately, the day was pleasant and the road quickly passed from under our feet. Reaching the junction for Bridal Veil Falls we hea...
October 12, 2013 5.5 miles 2,250 feet gained
This was an unplanned trip. After oversleeping for a previously scheduled scramble, I found myself without a planned outing for today. Scrolling through the trips off Mountain Loop Highway, for no other reason then it was fairly close, I stumbled upon Eight Mile Creek Trail. With a decent elevation gain for the short distance, the promise of autumnal colors ...
October 9, 2013 9 miles 4,000 feet gained
Had not been out since Saturday last so thought I would take advantage of a nice day and get a workout in with the canine. Dibs and I decided Cow Heaven seemed a good spot to visit. After all, when was the last time you saw cow angels? We got a late start, getting to the trail head at 11:30. No cows around, but the trail was signed so we knew we were at the ...
October 5, 2013 8 miles 2,250 feet gained
This was supposed to be a trip to Cascade Arm/Sahale Pass that, due to the government shut-down by a group of puerile egotists, resulted in the access road to the trail head, not to mention the NCNP itself, being closed. Alternate trip #1 was the Meander Meadows loop but, yet again, the access road was closed. Alternative #2, fortunately, did not have a gate...
October 4, 2013 8 miles 1,500 feet gained
This was a beautiful day for a hike: mostly sunny skies, temps in the low 60s, and a weekday to boot. I headed off to the Cutthroat Lakes via the Walt Bailey Trail. The trail is in fairly good shape overall, though it is rocky and rooty in places, making for an ankle-twisting obstacle course (think a roomful of rugrats on Christmas morning). The trek proved ...
October 2, 2013 7.5 miles 3,000 feet gained
Dibs and I decided to brave the rain and make a run at Mount Dickerman. The trail head usually looks like the parking lot at Nordstram's the day before Christmas while the trail itself is choked with people. Not today: it was lonelier than a convict in solitary on Devil's Island. Our journey began in the rain and it never really let up. Temps were moderate, ...
September 28, 2013 11.5 miles 3,250 feet gained
What a miserable day: rain, fog, cold. A perfect day for a forest foray and we three intrepid souls accepted the task clad in rain gear and fleece. Arriving at the Rock Creek trail head near Lake Wenatchee we began our sylvan saunter amidst clouds and fog, the steady, at times hard, rain beating a tattoo upon our heads. The guidebook had promised a forest fu...
September 24, 2013 10 miles 2,500 feet gained
Needed to get out today. Weather was not looking all that promising but finally just loaded up the Scion with my pack and Dibs and headed east along Highway 2. Destination: Alpine Lookout. Picked up Krusteez, a PCT thru-hiker in Skykomish. Dibs immediately let the young man know he expected to be petted in exchange for giving up his seat and he was obliged. ...
September 21, 2013 7.5 miles 2,500 feet gained
This was supposed to be a trip to see some fall foliage and enjoy the endless views from Yellow Aster Butte. Mother Nature had other ideas, exclaiming, "Ha!" as we headed out from Everett under gray skies heavy with precipitation. Arriving at the trail head we encountered two other cars. The clouds hung low but our spirits did not succumb to their weight. Be...
September 19, 2013 6 miles 2,750 feet gained
This was an after-hours hike. It was planned around the sunset and a full moon. The moon was visible but did not provide as much light as hoped for and headlamps were used. Due to the time of day and a drop in temps the group chose not to head down to the lake but enjoyed the views above the lake before heading back down.
September 14, 2013 9 miles 2,500 feet gained
The day may not have started out promising, what with gray clouds filling the skies as we traveled forth from Everett, but it turned out to be an absolutely perfect day for a hike. With a reputation as one of the most popular hikes around, we were fortunate to encounter few people along the way as we ventured forth. Breaking out on the ridge, after a memorab...
September 12, 2013 11 miles 2,250 feet gained
This was a hike I wanted to do for a while so I decided to make use of a day off and headed out from the trail head around 11:30AM. There were three cars at the trail head but I saw nary a soul all day. The trail is in pretty good shape overall, although a few areas are overgrown. Berries were abundant but beyond ripe - they were shriveled or split open. Vie...
September 7, 2013 8.5 miles 2,000 feet gained
The day did not start out very promising with overcast skies and a light rain falling. After arriving at the trail head we started out in a steady rain which soon gave way to just a mist. Creeks are running fast. Trail is in good shape. We started up the Park Butte trail, passing through Schreiber's Meadows. Views were limited, the surrounding mountains drap...
August 31, 2013 10.5 miles 3,750 feet gained
This was a perfect day for hiking and the trek is among my favorites. Skies were clear, temps in the 60s, the sun was warm, the forest cool, the berries plump and sweet. Starting out in the forest one climbs relentlessly along a mostly moderate grade with good tread until breaking out into a clearing with stunning views of the North Sauk River Valley and the...
August 24, 2013 11 miles 3,000 feet gained
The weather report was for a 30% chance of rain but the day began draped in a cool drizzle. Trail head was crowded but did not encounter too many people along the way. Berries galore hung like christmas decorations and we were more than once delayed by stopping to pick the succulent jewels. The way to the pass is in very good shape although a wasps' nest was...
August 18, 2013 5 miles 1,500 feet gained
What a beautiful day for a hike. Headed out to Peek a Boo Lake for a short, relaxing hike beneath blue skies, golden sun, and puffy white clouds. Bugs were a nuisance but temps were comfortable. The hike is a good workout, climbing fairly steadily before breaking out in meadows just before dropping down (steeply) to the lake. Tremendous views from the meadow...
August 17, 2013 8.5 miles 2,500 feet gained
The day started a bit overcast but temps were pleasant and skies cleared up as the day went on. Trail is in excellent shape. Huckleberries and blueberries slowed us down a bit. Views somewhat disappointing due to cloud cover but still pretty good overall. Bugs were a bit of a nuisance. Overall, a great day for a hike to a really nice location. If it were a b...
August 7, 2013 9 miles 3,000 feet gained
A beautiful day for a trip up to Foggy Lake through the Gothic Basin. Lots of wildflowers, salmon berries, and huckleberries to distract one from the at times relentless climb up. Incredible views from all along the trail once you get out of the trees. Trail is in generally good shape and easy to follow. Needed to do a bit of scrambling at times but nothing ...
August 3, 2013 10 miles 1,250 feet gained
Started out in the morning mists from the Tonga Ridge Trail Head. The skies soon cleared and we arrived at Sawyer Pass beneath clear blue skies. Headed south to Fisher Lake. First 1/2 mile or so is overgrown then a bit of a slick go through a creek bed before finally coming out in a meadow and onto a well-worn trail with easy tread. The lake was beautiful an...
July 24, 2013 7.5 miles 2,250 feet gained
A beautiful, sunny day for a hike to Beckler Peak. Trail is in good shape. 360 degree views at the top are phenomenal.
July 20, 2013 13 miles 750 feet gained
A wonderful, very relaxing day hike through old growth forest in the North Cascades. We hiked to the camps at McAllister Creek. The trail is in excellent shape and makes an ideal introductory hike for newbies.
July 13, 2013 8 miles 3,500 feet gained
This was a wonderful trip. Weather was great, skies clear, views endless. Flowers just coming into bloom. Snow in spots allow for some glissading. Marmots whistling loudly. What more could one ask for? (Okay, I admit, a burger at the summit would have been nice).
July 6, 2013 10 miles 2,750 feet gained
Started at the Snow Lake Trail Head on a beautiful summer's day. Some snow still lingers on the eastern side of Snow Lake but easily managed without traction or poles. Scrambled up a talus field to the ridge at about 5000 ft then headed to the peak. Big enough to handle a group of 7 or 8, the views were endless and well worth the effort.
June 29, 2013 10 miles 1,750 feet gained
This was a day for a bit of everything: crowds, solitude, sun, rain, hail. A memorable day with a good group of folks.
June 15, 2013 11 miles 1,500 feet gained
A beautiful late spring day along a well-maintained trail full of wildflowers.
June 8, 2013 4 miles 1,750 feet gained
Another gorgeous day. Lot of snow still on the ground for glissades. Also managed to get some rock scrambling in. Tremendous views, including Ranier and Adams. Not a soul to be seen anywhere, only a squirrel up at the lookout who was kind enough to pose for some pics.
May 25, 2013 12 miles 3,500 feet gained
This was a great day. Snow untrammeled by human foot, animal tracks everywhere. Great weather with sunny skies for the most part. The trek was challenging and rewarding with great views and even wolverine tracks found atop Jove. Started out from Smithfield Road, still under a couple feet of snow. After a couple of miles of drudgery we headed up from the road...
April 27, 2013 11 miles 1,500 feet gained
A beautiful sunny day in Eastern Washington.
April 13, 2013 9.5 miles 0 feet gained
Had planned a trip to Sobieski Mountain but heavy spring snows and increased avalanche danger led to a change in plans. Had to hike up the road to Jade Lake Trail Head due to downed tree. Managed to hike about 3 1/2 miles in before time, the continued snowfall, and blowdowns got the best of us. Still, a nice day.
March 30, 2013 4 miles 1,500 feet gained
A short snowshoe on a beautiful sun-filled day. Headed up to the lake and a bit beyond just trekking through the trees. Some great views but camera malfunctioned:(
March 16, 2013 9 miles 1,500 feet gained
Went cross country skiing. Planned to take Deer Creek Road up to Lake Kelcema but the day was wet and the trek up was icy in spots making for a less than ideal day. At the trail head for the lake decided to turn around as the rain kept coming and we were getting a bit uncomfortable.
March 2, 2013 5 miles 1,250 feet gained
A snowshoe to Lake 22 on a nice day. Got in a little glissade on the way down.
