A strenuous and beautiful scramble in the SW corner of Mount Rainier National Park of ~9 miles and ~4400’ gain.
Great weather, high tides for smaller inlet exploration, some current and breeze assist, and no rain. Successfully completed circumnavigation of Stretch and Reach islands and covered 9 nm of Case Inlet shore line.
Pleasant winter paddle, little no wind and high tides that allowed some smaller inlet exploration. Current assist was noticeable. Plenty of harbor seals, few birds and no boat traffic.
Beautiful day in the mountains but snow conditions on the winter route caused us to turn around.
A nice trip up to the great views of Mowich lake hampered by less than ideal road conditions.
Due to Government (partial) shutdown, the road to Paradise was closed at Longmire (per Mt. Rainier NP web site). Changed location to Crystal Mountain. Couldn't easily find route to go uphill from parking lot, eventually did however. Trail (road actually) occasionally encountered snowmobiles pulling skiers and small sno=cats with people able to step aside without problem. Found side trail on way back and went out about 1/2 mile to a great overview looking down valley. Nice day without stormy weather.
Alternate Location: Due to Government Shutdown of Paradise, the trip was moved to Crystal Mountain. The weather was perfect and the hills provided a little exercise for everyone. The trip provided a mix of well-traveled terrain along with new exploration. Fun was had by all.
A nice loop visiting two small peaks and two insignificant named bumps.
This was a MAC backcountry ski tour to Lost Lake, Snoqualmie Pass. Mostly on roads, some snowmobiles, 15 miles
A great scramble with a classic ridge run that does not disappoint even in the face of gale force winds.
As we rounded the first headland the Olympics with their full cover of new snow burst into view, clearly etched against a blue sky rising over a dark bank of clouds. A really nice paddle to end the year with! Photo credit: Tami Rust
In the face of suboptimal weather, driving and snow conditions we elected to hike a Rattlesnake grand traverse rather than the scheduled Hex Mountain snowshoe.
Sufficient snow to start skinning at the trail head. We took a clockwise loop that offers about 25% of the ascent "off road".
The Deer Creek road is washed out in several places. May make a nice trail some day.
Turned around at Olallie Meadow due to slow progress in deep powder. Beautiful day!
What a great urban hike. To viewing historical homes to glorious views of the sound , down hills and up stairs, loved it all.
Turned around at deep, unconsolidated snow slope about 4700ft, just a little above the tarn on the ridge: didn’t seem safe with the persistent deep slab avy danger.