Wednesday, December 31, 2014
Tuesday, December 30, 2014
Mt Pilchuck snow hike 12/30/14
Hike: Mount Pilchuck (snow edition)
Date:12/30/14
Distance/Gain: 5.4miles, 2300 ft. of gain
Highest Point: 5327 ft
Rating: 9/10
Pros: Views, quite literally as far as the eye can see in every direction
Cons: None, only that this hike will be closed within days for the season
Wow, what else can I say about this hike today but wow. We got off to a somewhat late 9:00 start time. The road to the trail was clear until about a mile passed Heather Lake. After that the compact snow and ice begins. Compact snow and ice quickly turned into 10"+ deep snow + large ruts in the parking lot. I wouldn't take anything but a truck or SUV at this point due to ground clearance issues.
The parking lot had 4 cars in it, which surprised me for the amount of snow, and the fact is was a
Tuesday. The temp was mid teens, and the sky was pure blue, did I mention that it was cold?
A month back when I attempted this hike I was unprepared without my Microspikes, and got turned back at 4400ft due to the extremely icy conditions, what a difference a heavy snow makes. Thankfully some snowshoers had made a very packed nice trail to follow today. While I don't want to use the word easy, the snow made the trail conditions very manageable. There were no large rocks, or roots, just a nice, flat steady grade from the snow trail.
We pushed pretty quickly through the short mile of forested area to get to the first Talus field, just as I thought with the clear air, and the snow, made a beautiful view of Rainier.
Continuing on we reached the second opening in the tree line, It was there that I once again got to
experience the sound that I have only heard at Blanca Lake, complete deafening silence. There wasn't a bug, a bird, a plane or a train, not a sound in the world and a view all the way to the Olympic mountains and beyond, if the hike had ended here I could have been perfectly content. But luckily for us, there was plenty left to see.
Shortly after, you begin winding around to the northeast and get views of Anacortes, Mount Baker, and much more. Take in the sights as you begin your switchback towards the top, the view growing better and more amazing each climb. The beauty of this hike is you don't really get tired, you are too preoccupied taking everything in, and too eager to get to the next switchback to see what its views have in store for you.
When we reached the fire lookout, we shared the view with about 7 others. After spending some time refueling, we began our quick decent back down. It would have been a slippery go without some form of traction devices, but out of the 20 people that were coming up after us I saw a few trying it without them.
Takeaways from this hike, if you can do it in winter on a clear day DO IT. Bring a minimum of at least spikes, gaiters, and if you want more then poles will help. We heard rumblings that the gate may be locked tomorrow 12/31, but we spoke with a Sheriff at the trailhead who said he had not been told that yet. So if you have time this week, take advantage of this weather! This hike could close any day for the season.
Date:12/30/14
Distance/Gain: 5.4miles, 2300 ft. of gain
Highest Point: 5327 ft
Rating: 9/10
Pros: Views, quite literally as far as the eye can see in every direction
Cons: None, only that this hike will be closed within days for the season
Wow, what else can I say about this hike today but wow. We got off to a somewhat late 9:00 start time. The road to the trail was clear until about a mile passed Heather Lake. After that the compact snow and ice begins. Compact snow and ice quickly turned into 10"+ deep snow + large ruts in the parking lot. I wouldn't take anything but a truck or SUV at this point due to ground clearance issues.
The parking lot had 4 cars in it, which surprised me for the amount of snow, and the fact is was a
A month back when I attempted this hike I was unprepared without my Microspikes, and got turned back at 4400ft due to the extremely icy conditions, what a difference a heavy snow makes. Thankfully some snowshoers had made a very packed nice trail to follow today. While I don't want to use the word easy, the snow made the trail conditions very manageable. There were no large rocks, or roots, just a nice, flat steady grade from the snow trail.
We pushed pretty quickly through the short mile of forested area to get to the first Talus field, just as I thought with the clear air, and the snow, made a beautiful view of Rainier.
Continuing on we reached the second opening in the tree line, It was there that I once again got to
experience the sound that I have only heard at Blanca Lake, complete deafening silence. There wasn't a bug, a bird, a plane or a train, not a sound in the world and a view all the way to the Olympic mountains and beyond, if the hike had ended here I could have been perfectly content. But luckily for us, there was plenty left to see.Shortly after, you begin winding around to the northeast and get views of Anacortes, Mount Baker, and much more. Take in the sights as you begin your switchback towards the top, the view growing better and more amazing each climb. The beauty of this hike is you don't really get tired, you are too preoccupied taking everything in, and too eager to get to the next switchback to see what its views have in store for you.
When we reached the fire lookout, we shared the view with about 7 others. After spending some time refueling, we began our quick decent back down. It would have been a slippery go without some form of traction devices, but out of the 20 people that were coming up after us I saw a few trying it without them.Takeaways from this hike, if you can do it in winter on a clear day DO IT. Bring a minimum of at least spikes, gaiters, and if you want more then poles will help. We heard rumblings that the gate may be locked tomorrow 12/31, but we spoke with a Sheriff at the trailhead who said he had not been told that yet. So if you have time this week, take advantage of this weather! This hike could close any day for the season.
Wednesday, December 24, 2014
Annette Lake hike: 12/23/14
Hike: Annette Lake
Date:12/23/14
Distance/Gain: 7.5miles, 1400 ft. of gain
Highest Point: 3600 ft
Rating: 7/10
Pros:Beautiful mountain lake, many unique features along the trail
Cons:Weather/rain inhibited some views
I decided to squeeze in another hike this week, even though last minute Christmas shopping, and the weather thought I should have taken a week off. Just like last week I took a look at the trip reports, and thought that Annette Lake looked the most appealing with its beautiful lake, and dusting of snow.
I got a relatively early start, and made the hour + drive to the trail head. The road wasn't horrible, but there were a decent amount of potholes (nothing like the Ira springs mess.) I arrived at the the trail head at 08:50, and was not alone. There were 3 other cars which surprised me for an early morning, bad weather, Tuesday hike.
It was a WET day, raining steadily from the start. The trail starts out innocently enough, a very slight incline creek side, that takes you over an impressive bridge. The creek was roaring from all of the recent rainfall.
After the bridge, you follow the trail until it crosses iron-horse trail, at a little over a mile in. That's where I encountered the first group of hikers. They were a very friendly group, I quickly passed by and made my way towards the lake.
From there, the trail begins a long slow climb. The trail has numerous roots, large rocks, and stream crossings, so be sure to watch your step.
I was actually able to take off my rain shell for a bit. But once I reached 3000 feet, I encountered my first snow on the ground, and the rain decided to rejoin the hike.
At 3200 feet I decided it was time to put on the Microspikes. My Merrells had been doing fine until that point, but the packed snow + switchbacks made a things a lot slicker.
The rest of the hike was relatively uneventful, After a handful of switchbacks the trail remain mostly flat until you reach the banks of Annette Lake. The snow at the lake gets to roughly 6" deep, but the trail is packed. I had gaiters on but likely didn't need them.
When I arrived at the lake it began to downpour. I grabbed a few pictures, and decided to head back. I made it back to the car at exactly the 3 hour mark. Overall its a beautiful hike, with a lot of little surprises along the way. This is one that I will revisit in the summer and spend some more time exploring.
*After my hike last week to Mount Dickerman where I temporarily lost the trail. I decided that I needed to add in a GPS (besides my SPOT) to assist in winter navigation. After some research I decided to try out the app BackCountry Navigator. The app works off of your phones GPS, and downloaded maps, so you do not need cell service for this to work, as a matter of fact I was in airplane mode to save battery life.
The screenshot shows my downloaded map, the red line is the trail to Annette lake, the blue line is my "tracks" (where I have been) and the arrow is me and the direction I am facing. This app sold me on this hike. For $11 I have a GPS tool that will assist keeping me on track on my hikes.
Date:12/23/14
Distance/Gain: 7.5miles, 1400 ft. of gain
Highest Point: 3600 ft
Rating: 7/10
Pros:Beautiful mountain lake, many unique features along the trail
Cons:Weather/rain inhibited some views
I decided to squeeze in another hike this week, even though last minute Christmas shopping, and the weather thought I should have taken a week off. Just like last week I took a look at the trip reports, and thought that Annette Lake looked the most appealing with its beautiful lake, and dusting of snow.
I got a relatively early start, and made the hour + drive to the trail head. The road wasn't horrible, but there were a decent amount of potholes (nothing like the Ira springs mess.) I arrived at the the trail head at 08:50, and was not alone. There were 3 other cars which surprised me for an early morning, bad weather, Tuesday hike.It was a WET day, raining steadily from the start. The trail starts out innocently enough, a very slight incline creek side, that takes you over an impressive bridge. The creek was roaring from all of the recent rainfall.
After the bridge, you follow the trail until it crosses iron-horse trail, at a little over a mile in. That's where I encountered the first group of hikers. They were a very friendly group, I quickly passed by and made my way towards the lake.
From there, the trail begins a long slow climb. The trail has numerous roots, large rocks, and stream crossings, so be sure to watch your step.
I was actually able to take off my rain shell for a bit. But once I reached 3000 feet, I encountered my first snow on the ground, and the rain decided to rejoin the hike.
At 3200 feet I decided it was time to put on the Microspikes. My Merrells had been doing fine until that point, but the packed snow + switchbacks made a things a lot slicker.
The rest of the hike was relatively uneventful, After a handful of switchbacks the trail remain mostly flat until you reach the banks of Annette Lake. The snow at the lake gets to roughly 6" deep, but the trail is packed. I had gaiters on but likely didn't need them.
When I arrived at the lake it began to downpour. I grabbed a few pictures, and decided to head back. I made it back to the car at exactly the 3 hour mark. Overall its a beautiful hike, with a lot of little surprises along the way. This is one that I will revisit in the summer and spend some more time exploring.
*After my hike last week to Mount Dickerman where I temporarily lost the trail. I decided that I needed to add in a GPS (besides my SPOT) to assist in winter navigation. After some research I decided to try out the app BackCountry Navigator. The app works off of your phones GPS, and downloaded maps, so you do not need cell service for this to work, as a matter of fact I was in airplane mode to save battery life.
Monday, December 22, 2014
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
Mount Dickerman Hike: 12/16/14
Hike: Mount Dickerman
Date:12/16/14
Distance/Gain: 8.2miles, 3950ft. of gain
Highest Point: 5760ft
Rating: 7/10 (Would easily be an 8+ on a clear day)
Pros:Panoramic views, solitude
Cons:Weather inhibited some views/made navigation difficult at times
I was checking trip reports this week to see what hike sounded the most interesting, and stumbled upon Mount Dickerman. The views from what I found online are exactly why I prefer hiking the North Cascades; Craggy Mountain tops, solitude, and nothing but nature as far as the eye can see.
My hiking buddy could not attend, so I decided to take on the hike solo. I started the drive up around 8:30. Once past the Lake 22 trail head up Mountain loop, the drive itself is very rewarding, you have the privilege of driving through some beautiful country. It looked like there were some trees that were across the road form last weeks windstorm, but they had been cleared out. There is one spot where the speed limit drops to 25mph from an old washout that they never bothered to repave, other than that its a great drive.
I arrived at the the trail head at 9:20, and was the only car there, no cell phone service, and no one around. But I did get an early Christmas present from my wife, a SPOT Personal locator beacon which is nice for easing her mind when I go on these solo hikes, and for giving me that just in case last way out if I needed it. Loading my gear into my bag I actually busted a zipper on my larger Geigerrig pack trying to get my fleece in, which I was not too happy about, but luckily there are two zippers.
The trail starts out harmlessly enough with a long easy incline grade. That's when You quickly gain elevation when you start you first of 53 (reportedly, I didn't bother counting) switchbacks. The trail provides a good sweat, but it was not draining. I liked it better than Si because you were out of the tree line a lot quicker, and had waterfalls, and peek views on your way up.At 4200 feet it began to snow lightly. Once I passed the waterfall I decided that it was time for the Microspikes. The trail got slippery, and I would just rather be safe than sorry, especially alone. I also took off my shell, and wore my base layer + wicking shirt for the remainder of the trip.
After about a quarter of a mile past the water fall the trail really starts to open up, and you finally feel like you are getting somewhere. Once I was able to see the peak the wind and snow got more intense. I was able to find my way to the top, but there were few to no footprints left to follow. Both going up, and coming back down require work and patience. The views from the top are amazing, my only disappointment was that it was not a clear day. This is a hike I will definitely need to do again in the summer to get a full appreciation for.Finding my way back from the summit was a little sketchy. The wind/snow had covered my tracks and took me temporarily off course which in those conditions could have been extremely dangerous. I was able to work my way back to the trail, with no further issues.
At the waterfall around 12:30 I passed a group of about 8-10 hikers, a little later that I would want to be heading up but to each there own. I warned them about the conditions at the top and made my way down. At about the 3800ft mark I ran into a wild turkey, which was a little more impressive than the typical grey jay, or chipmunk that I see on the trails.
I made it to my car at 01:40, with a new respect for Winter hiking, and how fast you can loose a trail if you are not careful! Be safe out there.
Date:12/16/14
Distance/Gain: 8.2miles, 3950ft. of gain
Highest Point: 5760ft
Rating: 7/10 (Would easily be an 8+ on a clear day)
Pros:Panoramic views, solitude
Cons:Weather inhibited some views/made navigation difficult at times
My hiking buddy could not attend, so I decided to take on the hike solo. I started the drive up around 8:30. Once past the Lake 22 trail head up Mountain loop, the drive itself is very rewarding, you have the privilege of driving through some beautiful country. It looked like there were some trees that were across the road form last weeks windstorm, but they had been cleared out. There is one spot where the speed limit drops to 25mph from an old washout that they never bothered to repave, other than that its a great drive.
I arrived at the the trail head at 9:20, and was the only car there, no cell phone service, and no one around. But I did get an early Christmas present from my wife, a SPOT Personal locator beacon which is nice for easing her mind when I go on these solo hikes, and for giving me that just in case last way out if I needed it. Loading my gear into my bag I actually busted a zipper on my larger Geigerrig pack trying to get my fleece in, which I was not too happy about, but luckily there are two zippers.
At the waterfall around 12:30 I passed a group of about 8-10 hikers, a little later that I would want to be heading up but to each there own. I warned them about the conditions at the top and made my way down. At about the 3800ft mark I ran into a wild turkey, which was a little more impressive than the typical grey jay, or chipmunk that I see on the trails.
I made it to my car at 01:40, with a new respect for Winter hiking, and how fast you can loose a trail if you are not careful! Be safe out there.
Friday, December 12, 2014
Ira Spring trail to Mason Lake hike: 12/10/14
Hike: Ira Spring Memorial Trail to Mason Lake
Date:12/10/14
Distance/Gain: 6.5miles, 2420ft. of gain
Highest Point: 4230ft
Rating: 7/10
Pros:Ease of climb, panoramic views, solitude
Cons:Mason Lake was underwhelming, weather inhibited some views
We chose this hike based off of trip reports of snow, however that was 6 days prior and when we got there the trail was bare and wet. On December 10th in Washington State, in the Cascades you can usually guarantee snow, but not this time. The weather warned of high wind/rain for all of Western Washington, but we were determined to hike so that wasnt going to slow us down.
The road to the trail head was atrocious. For the last mile or so, its nothing but deep pot-holes. It looks like they are working on improving it though, because there was fresh gravel before the pot holes began. When we got to the trail head we were happy to see that we were the only ones crazy enough to attempt the hike with the weather conditions. We started up the trail at 11:00 am, in a unseasonably warm 56 degrees, with on and off rain.
About a mile in, we reached a waterfall flowing across the trail. There were plenty of rocks/logs to get across, but it would have been a quick ride down if you were to fall in. Trip reports from a week ago stated the rocks on top were covered in ice, but were dry for us.
Once you start the switchbacks you really start to get the views, and for us the high wind. You will encounter panoramic views for the remainder of the hike until you start towards mason lake.The trail is a steady climb on a cliff side, with minor switch backs, there is never really a time where this hike feels difficult.
Once you reach your peak elevation 4230ft, you will continue for about a half mile, and drop down a few hundred feet to Mason Lake. The lake was 2/3rd's frozen over, giving it a unique look. Mason lake was not as stunning as Blanca, or Lake Twenty-two, but is still a pretty area to eat and relax.
Overall, the trail up to the lake is very unique and worth checking out, especially if you go on a sunny day. My hiking buddy said it reminded him of hiking some of the ridge lines on the Wonderland trail. The trail is very well maintained, and pretty wide for the majority of the climb.
Date:12/10/14
Distance/Gain: 6.5miles, 2420ft. of gain
Highest Point: 4230ft
Rating: 7/10
Pros:Ease of climb, panoramic views, solitude
Cons:Mason Lake was underwhelming, weather inhibited some views
About a mile in, we reached a waterfall flowing across the trail. There were plenty of rocks/logs to get across, but it would have been a quick ride down if you were to fall in. Trip reports from a week ago stated the rocks on top were covered in ice, but were dry for us.
Once you reach your peak elevation 4230ft, you will continue for about a half mile, and drop down a few hundred feet to Mason Lake. The lake was 2/3rd's frozen over, giving it a unique look. Mason lake was not as stunning as Blanca, or Lake Twenty-two, but is still a pretty area to eat and relax.
Overall, the trail up to the lake is very unique and worth checking out, especially if you go on a sunny day. My hiking buddy said it reminded him of hiking some of the ridge lines on the Wonderland trail. The trail is very well maintained, and pretty wide for the majority of the climb.
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