|
HIKE |
Snoqualmie (II) |
|
ROUTE |
Normal route |
|
DATE |
08/24/2006 |
|
ATTENDEES |
Craig, Don, and Craig II, Chris S and Daniel. |
|
NOTES |
xxx |
PHOTOS
Photo credits:
TRAIL REPORT
Hello, TNAB'ers:
Going into this season, I was dead set against doing any repeat hikes. Each one was going to be different. This included new hikes, such as Abiel, Banana Ridge, and Mt Kent. So while Abiel and Banana came into fruition, Kent fell by the wayside, the victim of "too much like McClellan Butte" syndrome.
So, with a gap in the schedule, a plug was needed. It didn't take long to decide that if we're going to do any hike more than once, it had to be Snoqualmie Mountain. Everybody loves to hike Snoqualmie - it's a TNAB favorite. And at least this time, we'll get some views, unlike the first visit earlier this season.
Well, so much for plans.
I corralled a crew of four in Eastgate, and headed straight for the Pass. With me were Craig, Don, and Craig II (aka Beave from NWHikers). We drove under the ocean of gray for nearly forty minutes, hoping in vain that the skies would part by the time we reached the crest. They didn't. At Alpental, Chris S (Magnum) and Daniel (Biker Dan) were waiting for us. We were on the trail right at 6:00 PM.
Maybe we'll climb above the clouds...
It didn't take long until we were sweating despite the cool temps (mid-50s) and overcast conditions. Clumps of condensation clung to branches and leaves, eager to rub off on our legs and arms as we passed by. Paradoxically, the trail itself was dry and dusty.
30 minutes in, we stopped for a short break at the waterfall...or least where the waterfall is when it's not completely bone dry, as it is now. From there, we pushed on and up into the mist. Visibility was not improving.
We slogged on for another 50 minutes before the summit sneaked up on us. It's only 2.5 miles of trail, so it doesn't take too long. We eventually gathered at the northern summit, barely able to see fifty feet ahead. The wind was also quite brisk atop, which hastened our decision to descend asap.
The return trip was mostly uneventful, save for the fact that Don's glasses were coated in both water vapor and dust, and then his headlamp started to crap out for good measure. Damn! Still, we all got out with more than enough time to hit the NBB&G on the way home - yes! Not the greatest conditions, but a good hike, nonetheless.
Next Hike: Tinkham Peak. We'll be following a route that starts just below Mirror Lake. High clearance FWD vehicles desired to make the final push. Should be fun!
Cheers,
-Mark