Successful tour. weather and snow conditions more favorable than forecast.
Started out with rain in the parking lot and ended with rain as well, kept most of the other visitors at bay. Hike was wonderful with multiple forest species. Great meeting new hiking friends.
Nice easy hike, gentle elevation gain. Includes a waterfall and on a clear day a view
Fun winter route close to Seattle with a short approach. Only attempt in stable snow conditions.
A winter ascent and ski descent of Mt. Rainier via the Gibraltar Ledges and Ingraham Direct.
Steady, rocky grade with hardpacked snow starting about 2/3 of the way up. Lovely views from several spots along the way.
Great trip. Perfect weather. Microspikes needed for second half of trail. Cheryl Talbot was an leader. All the hikers were friendly and had no difficulties with the pace.
A great new Winter Scramble on the ridge containing Slide Mountain near the Ranger Creek Airstrip on Highway 410. Stunning views in all directions with ~4000’ of gain over ~11 miles (round trip).
Sunny weather, no wind, and low avalanche conditions on MLK? Can't beat that! It ended up being a perfect day for a winter scramble of Mt. Ararat
Arrived 8:30am MLK holiday to find main parking lot full, and overflow filling up fast. At trailhead observed an overcrowded trail and decided to do this hike another time.
Great moderate hike on a beautiful sunny Sunday morning
I don’t know if it is the freshwater runoff and/or the lack of boat activity but winter time can be the best time to paddle in the south end. The water is so clear you can see at least 30’ down! It was hard to believe in the mild conditions that we are in the middle of January and a nice day on the water for the maiden voyage of Rohan’s new boat!!
Always be ready with an alternative ski trail route when poor trail conditions exist on your planned route..
Great day with old and new friends. Good views at Fragrance Lk lookout along with peek a boo view of Pleasant Bay and the Islands along the Two Dollar trail only viewed during the winter with alders bare of leaves.
Brought snowshoes. Didn't use them. Could've used some microtraction or an ice axe though! Complete snow cover started around 4200'.
Cross Country Ski up Sun Mountain's Thompson Ridge Trail for a great ski workout, low crowds, wonderful views, and to practice your downhill skills on the long descent.
A 15 km loop out of the town "ice rink" trailhead, with very nice variety and views. Strong intermediate skill required for several short, very steep hills. (This report is for a ski we actually did on Jan 15, when we had to change the destination due to conditions.) At 9:00 a.m. it was 19 degrees and was 31 degrees by 2:00 pm.
This trail is pretty much a creek bed right now.
Repeat tour still found enjoyable skiing.