13 minute read
Hike It
Imagine and Invent Finding New Ways
Even though the longest days of the year are behind us, there is still plenty of sunlight season in the fall. And with the late snowmelt this year, now is a great time for new outdoor experiences. Try a new trail, link up multiple trails to create a new loop or find different ways to hike in new places. Enjoy the late sunsets and warm weather for new hikes before winter returns to the high country.
White Pass — Pilot Ridge Loop
Mountain Loop Highway
Begin and end in old-growth forests, traverse high pacific crest ridges and visit beautiful alpine lakes on this loop that links together multiple trails. By Jim Kuresman This trip shows just how spectacular the Glacier Peak Wilderness is. Start out hiking in a deep forest with giant old-growth trees. After Mackinaw Shelter, the trail begins a long series of switchbacks that take you from the forest to high alpine parklands. White Pass provides terrific views of peaks in all directions. A short, steep side trip goes to the summit of 7,043-foot White Mountain.
South to Dishpan Gap the route is on the Pacific Crest Trail. When the snow is gone there are many fields of wildflowers. Pass by Indian Head Peak and continue south to Kodak Peak. A short side trip goes right to the summit with more great views. The trail passes the Little Wenatchee Trail coming up Meander Meadow from the east. Along with the Cady Ridge Trail, that makes another fine loop. At Dishpan Gap, a right turn takes you to the Blue Lakes High Route. This narrow trail goes over a pass and drops steeply to Blue Lakes with spectacular views of Sloan Peak and nearby Johnson Mountain. There are more terrific wildflower fields in season. The lakes are quite scenic. The last leg of the trip takes you up onto Pilot Ridge. Another possible side trip follows a trail to the site of the old fire lookout atop 6,721-foot Johnson Mountain. The trail along Pilot Ridge is often on the south side and occasionally on the ridge top. There’s some forest and much open parkland, as well as wildflowers galore along the ridge. The ridge has ups and downs to keep it interesting. At last, the trail begins a long descent in cool forest on the north side of the ridge. At the bottom, the North Fork Sauk River must be crossed. Big logs are usually available. The trail returns to the forest of huge trees for the last few miles to the trailhead.
Distance: 29.2 miles ◆ Elevation gain: 7,500 feet Highest elevation: 6,360 feet ◆ Permit: Northwest Forest Pass Dogs: Leashed ◆ Map: Green Trails 111SX: Mountain Loop Highway Info: wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/white-pass-pilot-ridge-loop Trailhead: On the Mountain Loop Highway, drive 16 miles south of Darrington or 26.2 miles east of Verlot to Forest Road 49. Turn east and proceed 6.4 miles to the sign for the North Fork Sauk parking lot.
NEARBY HIKES
Twin Lakes — Monte Cristo: Take a walk up the old Monte Cristo Road grade and stop by the townsite, then trek along a steep mountain-side to look down on Twin Lakes and make the steep descent to the campsites. (17.2 miles roundtrip, 2,939 feet elevation gain) Meander Meadow — Dishpan Gap — Cady Ridge Loop: Miles of wildflowers and fantastic views of the Cascades, Glacier Peak and plunging valleys will delight the hiker who passes through in August. (16 miles roundtrip, 5,600 feet elevation gain) Photo by Maddie Smith Newell
Split Creek Trail
Near Spokane
Meander alongside Liberty Creek, staying close to the water, on a rehabilitated trail that provides a shorter loop option than the full waterfall loop. By Holly Weiler Liberty Lake Regional Park has one of the most popular trails within the Spokane County Parks system, and with the rehabilitation of the Split Creek Trail, the system just got an upgrade. Originally built in the 1970s, the Split Creek Trail had fallen victim to erosion damage and lack of maintenance. Over the summer of 2015, volunteers donated their muscles to a major overhaul of the entire trail, rerouting long portions out of flood-prone areas and working on drainage and brushing throughout. Many visitors to Liberty Lake are seeking a shorter, easier hike than the entire Liberty Lake Loop. Combine the Split Creek Trail with the main trail to the cedar grove, and there is now a loop option of approximately 4.5 miles. Or take Split Creek on the way to the cedar grove, waterfall and beyond, and enjoy the way this trail stays closer to the creek. There are many chances to see mini cascades as the creek makes its way down to Liberty Lake. Watch for deer and moose in the forest, or at least the tracks they leave in the trail tread. Listen for birds flitting overhead, and in spring watch the forest floor for flowers and fungi. Start this hike on the main Liberty Lake Trail, staying left at the intersection with the Edith Hansen Bridal Trail. The Split Creek Trail bears left just before the first bridge crossing over Liberty Creek, and continues upstream along the creek. The main trail runs parallel to the Split Creek Trail but on the opposite side of the creek. Split Creek Trail rejoins the main trail just above the second bridge, approximately one-quarter mile below the cedar grove. The trail may be hiked in either direction to form a loop with the main trail, offering new views on this popular hike.
Distance: 4.1 miles roundtrip Elevation gain: 451 feet ◆ Dogs: Leashed Highest elevation: 2,491 feet Map: https://bit.ly/3cfmKe2 Permit: None (seasonal $2 per person entry fee in summer) Info: wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/splitcreek-trail
Trailhead: From I-90, take exit 296 and head south on Liberty Lake Road for 1 mile. Turn left onto Sprague and continue straight; Sprague becomes S. Neyland Ave. In 0.5 mile, turn right onto S Lakeside Road. Continue for 0.75 mile. Turn right at the wood sign onto Zephyr Road and you’ll soon see the park entrance.
NEARBY HIKES
Saltese Uplands: Trek a loop around the uplands through canyons and up ridges to views of nearby Liberty Lake, Mount Spokane and Saltese Flats. (3.6 miles roundtrip, 630 feet elevation gain) Hog Canyon Lake: Experience the area’s unique geology and plant diversity through open grasslands, seasonal wetlands, native shrub-steppe habitat, basalt outcroppings and steep cliff faces on this hike. (5.3 miles roundtrip, 300 feet elevation gain) Photo by Ben Anderson
Josephine Lake
Stevens Pass — East
Do a short stint on the Pacific Crest Trail through wildflowers and over talus fields to a shimmering lake. You can even take a Greyhound or Amtrak bus to the trailhead! By Rob Shurtleff Josephine is a beautiful lake 5.2 miles south of Stevens Pass on the Pacific Crest Trail. The trail winds through the Stevens Pass ski area, climbing for 2 miles to top of the hill, gaining 1,000 feet along the way. When snow is not present, the ski runs are covered in wildflowers and sun-loving shrubs. After crossing the ridge which forms the backbone of the ski area, the trail descends 500 feet, crossing a number of talus fields and ducking under the power lines, heading west. Once past the power lines, civilization retreats. The only sound is the occasional bird, and the marmots and pikas chirping their “Here come hikers” warning. The trail starts climbing again, recapturing the 500 feet lost from the top of the ski area and passing a small frog pond with the fancy name of Lake Susan Jane. The trail heads over a small unnamed pass, where you will find a junction with the Icicle Creek Trail 1551. You can look down on Lake Josephine shimmering 300 feet below and call it a day, or follow Trail 1551 down half a mile to the lake.
If you’re hiking the trail in August or later, you will likely meet PCT thru-hikers heading north to Canada. These are fun folks to talk with, since they often have come all the way from the Mexican border.
For full trail angel status, watch for thru-hikers at Stevens Pass who are hitch-hiking down to Skykomish for a resupply. The 30-minute ride will be deeply appreciated and the stories they have can be inspiring.
Distance: 10.4 miles roundtrip ◆ Elevation Gain: 1,800 feet Highest Elevation: 5,150 feet Map: Green Trails 176: Stevens Pass Permit: Northwest Forest Pass Dogs: Leashed Info: wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/ josephine-lake Trailhead: Drive Highway 2 east from Seattle or west from Leavenworth to Stevens Pass. The trailhead is accessed from the parking lot just east of the ski area, on the south side of Highway 2. The trailhead is also accessible by Greyhound or Amtrak bus from Seattle, Wenatchee and Spokane.
NEARBY HIKES
Hope and Mig lakes: Hike through the forest to a couple of sparkling lakes. The route includes a short section hike of the PCT. (5 miles roundtrip, 1,550 feet elevation gain)
Bygone Byways Interpretive Trail:
For something a little different, head to this easy loop trail along the Great Northern Railway, where you can learn about the natural and cultural history of the area. (1 mile roundtrip, minimal elevation gain) Photo by Mike Helminger
Kloshe Nanitch
Olympic Peninsula — Northern Coast
Hike to a former fire lookout site. Fires are now patrolled by aircraft here, but the beautiful, rugged surroundings can still be viewed from the lookout, whose name draws on a Chinook phrase translating to “take care.” By Kelsie Donleycott Once the site of a historic lookout, this craggy, ridgetop perch serves up excellent views of Lake Crescent, Mount Olympus and the Sol Duc River Valley. Start by following an abandoned section of Highway 101 that parallels the Sol Duc River. Several access points allow close-up views of the river. In fall, the many vine maples lining the path put on a colorful show. At 0.2 mile, take the signed trail toward Kloshe Nanitch. Cross a bridge at 0.5 mile, and start the ascent of Snider Ridge by way of switchbacks.
Continue through dense second-growth Douglas-fir and an understory of greenery, including salal, ferns, mosses and liverworts. The trail crosses several drainages while steadily climbing 1,700 feet in about 2 miles. Briefly, the grade eases and travels through a stand of hemlocks before climbing a series of tight switchbacks to a small ledge. At 3 miles, the trail passes beneath cliffs and arrives at a junction; the right fork continues along Snider Ridge for 3 miles, where it connects with the Mount Muller Loop. Follow the left fork, through a meadow beneath the site of the historic lookout. Arrive at the viewpoint after a final steep climb. Kloshe Nanitch — a Chinook phrase for “take care” or “look out” — served as the site of a fire watch for many years. Originally built in 1917, the lookout was abandoned and destroyed in 1963. A replica of the historic building was built in 1996, only to be removed once again in October 2012. On clear days, views extend beyond the surrounding peaks, all the way to the Pacific Ocean and James Island.
Distance: 6.4 miles roundtrip Elevation Gain: 2,200 feet Highest Elevation: 3,260 feet Map: USGS: Snider Peak Permit: Discover Pass Dogs: Leashed Info: wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/kloshenanitch
Trailhead: From Port Angeles, follow U.S. 101 west for 37 miles to the Klahowya Campground. Proceed west, turning right on West Snider Road. In about half a mile come to the Forest Service work center and continue straight on the paved road. In another half mile the road ends at the trailhead.
NEARBY HIKES
Mount Muller: It’s a steep climb, but those who make it to the lofty ridgeline are rewarded with a panorama that includes the Strait of Juan de Fuca, Mount Olympus and Lake Crescent. (12.7 miles roundtrip, 3,350 feet elevation gain) Pyramid Mountain: When it is hot and dry, escape to this shaded hike through old-growth forest, culminating with views of shimmering Lake Crescent and its surroundings. (6.8 miles roundtrip, 2,400 feet elevation gain)
DOUBLE
your
IMPACT
by matching your gift with local employers like Microsoft, Google, Boeing, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Apple, Salesforce, Starbucks and hundreds of others.
Many companies in our state generously match employees’ charitable contributions or volunteer hours by making a donation to
WTA. If your employer makes matching donations, as a donor or volunteer at WTA, you have the power to direct these contributions. Ask your HR department how your support can go even farther for trails!
wta.org/matching
Photo by Mary Stenroos
Trip Report Corner
Spotlighting a great report and celebrating its writer
Margaret Lake
In each magazine,
we like to highlight Help fellow the great work of hikers. File a our trip reporters by trip report at:
sharing a great trip wta.org/
report. Francesca tripreports Paschino, aka trip reporter FrancescaP, wrote a trip report about her great hike on the Margaret Lake Trail on a sunny Wednesday. In her report, she includes useful information about the state of the road to the trailhead and the trail itself, and also shares how she made a good decision about stopping short of reaching the lake due to her comfort level on a snow-covered steep trail section without poles or microspikes. Francesca is no stranger to hiking and has explored Washington over most of her life. “I’ve been hiking in Washington state for as long as I can remember. My parents started taking me camping and hiking when I was tiny,” she said. “Now I hike because it helps me reconnect to a curious, creative mindset that seems hard to find with my feet on pavement; plus, the lush views, birdsong and fresh growing smells are hard to beat.” Although Francesca has been a part of the WTA community for a long time, using our Hiking Guide for trail information and volunteering on our trail work parties since 2012, this was her first trip report. She has found trip reports to be invaluable in her adventures and now wants to return the favor. “To me, this is just giving the same information back to the community that I continue to rely on, year after year, and I hope it informs other people so they can have a safer trip. I can’t thank everyone else who’s written trip reports enough — you’ve taught me little tricks, showed me cool spots, helped me be prepared and kept me stoked over the years!”
Fall tips for trip reports
As we move away from the peak of summer, weather and trail conditions can change a lot — and sometimes quickly. While writing your trip reports this fall, sharing certain details will be extra helpful to other hikers. Here are some specific things you can share that other hikers will appreciate this season.
Fall foliage and
wildflowers: Hikers love seeing autumnal and bright colors on the trail! Share your best photos of the flora on your hike so others know where to go. New snow: Especially later in the season at high elevations, snow can begin to fall and drastically change trail conditions. Let hikers know what to expect in high country if you run into any snow. Bugs: As it cools down, mosquitoes, gnats and flies become less of a nuisance. Let hikers know where to go to escape bugs as the heat of summer dissipates. Water: Many water sources dry up in late summer, so hikers and backpackers want to know where they can get water. Help others stay safe by letting them know where you found water and how easy it was to collect. Sun exposure: We’re not out of the sunny season yet! Let other hikers know how exposed the trail was so they can adequately protect themselves from the sun or time their hike accordingly.
