Bayley Stejer
A collection of trip reports with many opportunities for delight and few opportunities for dismay. Read on, dear friends, for an A-list peak, little feet in sticky sand, a very focused shuffle, and a sneaky October trip report (I know, I cheated) that reminds us of the dear and delicate work to be done in our forests.
Stewardship - Dry Creek - 10/29
"We did not find what we expected, and had a much more interesting day instead." -Mike Forsyth
When an e-bike came along and stole the low hanging fruit, this crew rolled up their sleeves and did the challenging, more interesting work instead. Tune in for a day of trail maintenance and stewardship at Dry Creek.
Day Hike - Dirty Harry's Peak Trail - 11/1
"Just when we wondered if there’s anything interesting in this tangle of forest, voila..." -Roseanna Lorenzana
Read on for fragile books, a derelict vehicle, autumn colored vine maples, rocks, roots, soft forest duff, and the least interesting part of Dirty Harry's Peak Trail.
Alpine Scramble - West Granite - 11/5
"A firm desire to not succumb to the notion that November is a month taken out of the scrambling and climbing calendar." -Krzysztof Ostrowski
The small but mighty group that took on Granite Peak, and (against all odds) maintained type 1 fun in the November chill.
Winter Scramble - Klahane Ridge Traverse - 11/10
"A stunning shoulder season traverse with rapidly accumulating snow soon to conceal all signs of the trail." -Dave Morgan
Aaah, a trip report that (finally) tells the tale of winter. Settle in for the 20mph winds, sub-freezing temperatures, avalanche possibilities, and low visibility that made for a blustery scramble at Klahane Ridge.
Winter Scramble - Cowlitz Gap & Rocks - 11/18
“Could we have lucked out with a temperature inversion?” -Sherrie Trecker
Tune in to the dramatic shoulder season weather and partially failed creek crossings of a winter scramble in Mount Rainier National Park. A scramble referred to as spectacular, lucky, steep, snow covered, and somehow still in darn good shape.
Urban Walk - May Creek, The Highlands & Lake Boren - 11/23
"Today the creek and moss-covered trees were glistening in the sunshine." -Roseanne Lorenzana
I shall call this trip report: An Unearthing of Artifacts on May Creek Trail. Stick around for an insiders look at the Thunder Bus, the remains of a fallen home, and an USPS truck that has fatefully run it's last route.
Winter Scramble - Cowlitz Gap & Rocks - 11/25
"I think we were all excited for the trip because everyone was early." -Ron Jones
A glorious but crusty climb of the A-list peak: Cowlitz Rocks.
Winter Scramble - Comet Falls, Mildred Point Loop - 11/25
“… made even better by a sunny spot to enjoy our lunch.” -Dave Morgan
Words I would use to describe this trip report: top-hole, ethereal, ideal, brill. But hey, don't take it from me. Read on, and I think Comet Falls will speak for itself.
Sea Kayak - Camano Island - 11/25
"If there was a result choice for 'super successful' this would be it." -Doug Palm
A windless, mudflat-less, and super DUPER successful paddle around Camano Island.
Day Hike - Squaxin Park - 11/26
"We ended at the playground, set up a camp stove, and in a few minutes were enjoying hot chocolate, chai latte, red velvet cupcakes, and ginger bread people." -Mike Forsyth
Allow me to sum up this trip report: kiddos, the inter-tidal zone, dinosaur tracks, pickleweed. Little feet on the sand. Little feet in deep mud. Little feet in ridiculously little boots. Basically just little feet next to big feet on a beach. It's perfect.
Want to see more top trip reports? Check out our Top Trip Reports Library to get ideas for next week, next month, or next year!
