Intermediate Snowshoe - Mount Gardner

Issaquah Transit Center (lower level) 7:00 am

This will be a new route for me. 

Updated 1/29: Tinkham Road is closed (bermed) at Exit 42, so we will park at that point, walk to the McClellan Butte TH.  Then east along  the Iron Horse Trail to the point we travel off-trail up to the 9020 road.  We will gain about 300 feet through the woods, and based on snow conditions checked today I expect we'll see thin coverage.  This will be more like a scramble for this section, so ice axes and helmets are required equipment.  This re-route also increases our distance for the day to 13 miles.  The additional mileage is pretty flat, but will definitely make it a longer trip.  Accordingly, I am also moving the meetup time to 7am.

Unless snow conditions change, I strongly recommend having microspikes for this trip.  I checked the portion from the trailhead to the Iron Horse this afternoon, and snow was hard-packed at least at lower elevations.

We will follow the 9020 Road up to the north summit of Mount Gardner.  (The true summit, a bit farther south, appears to be within the Watershed boundary.)  2640 feet of gain, so lots of uphill travel!  Be prepared to be out all day.

As with all snowshoe trips, destination is subject to change, or trip to cancellation, based on snow/weather/avalanche conditions.

Avy gear (beacon, probe and shovel) optional, if you have them. Ice axe is required equipment for this trip.