CHS 1 Hike - Cashmere Canyons Preserve

We will leave the Preston Park & Ride (I-90, exit 22) at 6:30 am. We want to condense down to as few cars as reasonable due to the small lot at the trailhead which has only 20 parking spaces.  It is a 2 hour (118 mi) drive to the Cashmere Canyons Preserve.  Drivers should be reimbursed at the Mountaineers suggested rate of 10 to 15 cents per mile.

If you are planning to travel via alternative routes, please arrive at the trailhead by 8:45 am.

We will be hiking the SW lollipop loop, summiting both Sunrise and Little Bear Mtns.  Two-thirds of the hike will be through wide open country so come prepared with a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses.  The remaining third of the hike will be through a Ponderosa Pine/Douglas Fir forest. When hiked in mid-May, the trail tread was in excellent condition as hiking is not allowed if it is too muddy.  The first miles has a grade of 650 ft/mile and there are a couple short sections that where the ascent/descent is steeper so hiking poles are strongly advised.  There are no water sources along the trail and normal highs for early June are in the low 70’s so bring sufficient water.

After the hike, there is an optional late afternoon, outdoor lunch at Country Boy’s BBQ in Cashmere.