Day Hike - Easton Ridge

We will meet  at 8:30 am at the North Bend Safeway parking lot close to the tall Safeway/O'Reilly Auto Parts/Chase Bank sign in the parking lot. It's off I-90 exit 31.  We will consolidate cars here as there are limited parking spots at the trailhead.

From Seattle, drive east on I-90 to exit 70, signed for Lake Easton State Park. At the end of the ramp, turn left over the freeway. At the ‘T’, go left on Kachess Dam Road for one half mile, then right to stay on Kachess Dam Road (FR 4818). Travel another 0.8 mile, mostly on gravel, then turn right onto an unmarked one-lane dirt road. The road is rutted but driveable by most vehicles. At 0.6 mile, the dirt road ends at the trailhead. There is parking for about 10 vehicles, including along the shoulder. There are no amenities and no parking pass is required.

Moderate 6.5 mile hike, at a moderate pace (1.75-2 mph) with plenty of rest breaks as needed.  Stops to look at the views and flowers along the way.  There are some blow downs along the trail that we will need to navigate around. 

Here is the trip description from WTA:  Easton Ridge — Washington Trails Association (wta.org)

Bring lunch and plenty of water and sturdy hiking shoes. Trekking poles will be helpful.  

My goals and expectations for this trip are:

1. Safety, including staying together as a group

2. Enjoy nature and have fun

3. Respectful conversation

4. Follow Leave No Trace principles

5. Assessment of your ability to hike this distance/elevation gain/pace