Snoqualmie Pass, WA
I very rarely repeat a hike. There are simply too many trails out there to pass up a new experience. This trail was low on my list but I thought it might be a good last minute sunset hike so I grabbed my headlamp and drove to Snoqualmie Pass. The first part of the trail is on the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail), and I always enjoy that, especially when I meet through-hikers. This time it was just me and three women that were just returning to the trailhead as I was starting. The rest of the time it was a wonderful, solo hike - half at dusk and half in the dark.
Mount Rainier National Park, WA
Jan and I took off to Mount Rainier 1.5 hrs away on Sunday afternoon. It was a beautiful, hot day and we thought a trip closer to the snow might be nice. We had the trail pretty much to ourselves and some elk the whole time. Palisades Lake Trail meanders through several meadows (soon to be covered with alpine flowers) and small lakes, the last of which is Upper Palisades Lake. A Palisade is a wall made of stakes or trees like you'd see as a defense around something in Medieval Europe. They named it Palisades Lakes because they make a "ring" around the mountain.
Snoqualmie national Forest, WA
We had the promise of sun breaks by the time we made it to the lake, but the weather report changed soon after arriving and instead of sun we got low clouds and rain. This was disappointing because of the beautiful rock formations around the lake we were unable to see. It was beautiful in its own right, but nothing close to what we've seen in photos. I'll have to come back another day to give a full report.
Mount Rainier National Park, WA
I headed to Mt Rainier yesterday now that the pass is open and the trails are visible again. The Shriner Peak Fire Lookout is a tower in Mount Rainier National Park built in 1932. The lookout is on the east side of the mountain, so the view is a bit different than we are used to here in the Seattle area. The weather was a balmy 70° at the start of the hike which felt awesome. After a mile it felt hot. I've learned the art of wearing layers on my hikes, so I was prepared. This was a pretty difficult trail that starts steep and doesn't let up until you dip into a snow-filled basin before the final ascent to the fire lookout at the top.
Mount Pilchuck State Park, WA
Yesterday we (Aleigh, Mark and myself) hiked Mt Pilchuck near Granite Falls. It was a full day with the trailhead two hours away. The hike took around 5hrs. The first mile is deep slush and mud that turns to snow the rest of the way up. Aleigh stepped off-trail once and was up to her knees, so the distance felt much longer and steeper with the constant threat of slipping. We each had the proper gear though with warm clothing, waterproof boots, micro-spikes and trekking poles. It was a great time with stunning views, especially at the top where there is an old fire lookout. We stayed at the top for probably an hour before heading back just before sunset. It was hard to leave.
Snoqualmie National Forest, WA
Annette Lake is accessed from the last exit west of Snoqualmie Pass south of I-90. This hike is pretty short, simple and thus heavily used for both day hikes and easy backpacking. The trail was very well maintained and dry for the most part. We passed some beautiful rolling waterfalls near the beginning and a few talus fields just before the lake. There are lots of logs to sit on in the sun to eat lunch.
SNOQUALMIE NATIONAL FOREST, WA
I started just before 10am and could see that the tops of the mountain were covered in snow, but didn't know what I was getting into because I couldn't find any reviews about the snow level and trail conditions. I figured I would just go as far as I could and turn back if I didn't think I could make it. I didn't have any spikes for traction or waterproof boots (both on my Christmas list :) but I had my trekking poles. It was slow and slippery and crazy windy, but I made it! More than any other hike, this one taught me the value of being prepared with quality gear.
