Green Mountain Trail: 07/24/15

Hike: Green Mountain

Date: 07/23/15

Distance/Gain: 8.0 miles, 3,100 ft. of gain

Highest Point: 6500 ft

Rating: 7/10

Pros: Views, ponds, diverse plantlife/animal life

Cons: Crowds, for me fog

In preparation for my upcoming backpacking trip to Sahale Glacier, I decided that over the next few weeks I would be doing full backpacking weight (tent/bag/etc) for my day hikes.

I got an early start for this one, I woke up at about 4:15 and started getting ready.  I drove up hwy 530, and once past Darrington there was still a 20 mile drive up Suiattle River Road. The drive out is nice with very few potholes, and I actually made pretty good time up to the trail.  I arrived at the trail head around 8:30, and to my surprise there was another car already in the lot.  It was partially cloudy with fog, and I had high hopes that it would clear by the time I reached the top. I grabbed my gear, and began the slow trudge upward.

Plant "scree field"

The hike starts out with the common theme in the area of switchbacks in heavy forest, only giving you an occasional peek view through the woods. I quickly came across some wood peckers, as well as grouse. After I cleared the woods, I began the walk down a level portion of the trail with about hip high plants on both sides of me. It is easy to see why this was named Green Mountain.  When the forest broke, I came upon at what on most hikes would likely have been a scree field, instead here is a sloped mountain side of all kids of hip high green plants, its pretty amazing to look at. I wondered to myself what types of creatures could be lurking around in there.  If you have acridophobia (fear of grasshoppers) then this is not the trail for you. One will jump sending off a chain reaction of about 50 more jumping on, and around you. 

I continued through more of the switchbacks, until I finally broke free and arrived at the ponds.  This is a very picturesque area, and is a great place for a break if you need one.

Once I left the ponds, I came across the open meadows in the green mountain basin. A look up ahead showed me what I was in for during my last 1000 ft to the top. With my full pack I was defiantly taking more short rests than I would have with my day-pack.

As I gained elevation I came to the disappointing conclusion that I was not going to have more than 100 yards of viability during this hike due to the clouds/fog. I was not going to get the views I desired, but at least I was still getting the workout that I needed.

I reached the top at 6500 feet, a new personal altitude record for my hikes, before heading back down.  I met my first set of hikers about 20 minutes down the trail.  We talked for a minute before a marmot screamed at us to get off of his doorstep, I obliged and continued on.

At that point the hike became bittersweet.  As I continued down and began to see some amazing views...the clouds and fog were lifting. I can only imagine what  I could have seen at the top if I had just waited an hour.  I passed about 5 sets of hikers on the way back to my car, seemed pretty busy for a Thursday, but this trail has something for everyone views, plant life, animals, insects, ponds, etc. 

 I would recommend this hike if you have the opportunity to try it.