Now that Echo Ridge grooming is on Nordic Pulse, planning the ski route was better than previous trips.
Counter-clockwise from Longmire. A few inches of new snow. Well-broken by us and two other parties to Ridge trail past the little tarn lake. Back out same way.
A great ‘imminent winter storm’ consolation workout at ~5000’ gain over ~13 miles. Originally scheduled for North Slide, this short commute alternate gave us beautiful weather plus an early arrival home (well before the evening storm’s arrival).
Hit snow immediately on the trail, needed micro-spikes due to ice at lower elevations and defiantly needed them at higher elevations. 6 to 8 inches of free snow 3 miles in and at the top.
Gorgeous day, and just in time before the incoming storm!
Successful trip. Microspikes and poles were essential, and bringing 1-2 ice axes helped to navigate the brief, steep slope just below the summit that is a rock step in the summer.
We skied Forest Road 54, some of the Sled Dogs trails, the Iron Mountain Cut-Off, and the Cascades to Palouse trail, all freshly groomed. Erling Stordahl trails had not been groomed since 2/19.
It was very nice, but very cold day for a paddle. Lake Union in the winter is a pleasant place to be in the winter.
The initial plan was for a hike in Capitol State Forest; road conditions and colder than usual temperatures took us to our State Capitol instead.
VERY cold & windy and perhaps why only 2 of us. BUT a bluebird of a day, lots of new snow and sunny, wind chill below zero. Went a loop trip to Hyak Lake.
We climbed the left flow of Hubba Hubba in what felt like late season conditions.
Close to home and just enough elevation gain to reach a good workout heart rate
Great day out with some fun and challenging snow travel!
Great winter trip, enjoyed new untracked snow up high, skinned climbing ski tracks made ascent easier in many places and contributed to our ability to successfully summit the North Summit of Guye Peak and Cave Ridge.
Fun loop route along the Wenatchee Crest following the road in places, but also with substantial off road travel, navigation skills required, tagging Cairn Hill and Old Pass Hill.
A sea of clouds with beautiful mountain views above on this strenuous trip of ~6000’ gain over ~14 miles. Ideal weather with an interesting mixture of trail and cross country terrain (both with snow and without).
Bluebird day on Lane peak, but snow conditions were not favorable for an ascent of the Couloir and return before the Longmire gate closed at 4p.
Great day in the snowy woods with views of Lake Kachess and surrounding mountains.
We hiked to the summits of Little Roundtop , Suger Cube , Mt. Erie , and Sugerloaf . Also ,we hiked to a view of Whistle Lake . The views were limited , until the clouds cleared and we had views from the Sugerloaf summit.