Field trip: Conditioning Hiking Series
CHS 1 Hike - Lake Valhalla & Mount McCausland
CHS hike led at a CHS 1 pace (1.5-2.0 mph)
Contacts
- Wed, Jun 19, 2019
- Seattle Hiking Committee
- Day Hiking
- Adults
- Moderate
- Moderate
- Mileage: 8.2 mi
- Elevation Gain: 2,100 ft
- Pace: 1.5-2.0 mph
- 5 (11 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
We'll leave the Monroe Park & Ride, located approximately 1/2 mile west of the US2 / SR522 interchange (Google link here) at 7:30am. The drive to the Smithbrook trailhead is about 1.5hrs.
June 13, 2019 - There are two way to approach this Mt McCausland. First is via the Smithbrook trailhead, ~6 miles. The second is via PCT starting at Stevens Pass, ~13 miles. As of today, the PCT route from Stevens is still under snow. Smithbrook has some snow which may require traction gear (micro spikes) in places.
It's quite likely that Smithbrook will be snow free by the 19th. Provide this warm weather continues. So, we're taking the Smithbrook route adding a couple of miles by hiking the PCT from the McCausland cutoff south and back. Our goal is 8+ miles round trip. This extension should offer us some nice close up views of the lake.
Lake Valhalla
-
Green Trails Benchmark Mtn No. 144
Green Trails Alpine Lakes West (Stevens Pass) No. 176S - See full route/place details.
Required Equipment
Ten Essential Systems
- Navigation (map & compass)
- Sun protection (sunglasses & sunscreen)
- Insulation (extra clothing)
- Illumination (headlamp/flashlight)
- First-aid supplies
- Fire (waterproof matches/lighter/candle)
- Repair kit and tools
- Nutrition (extra food)
- Hydration (extra water)
- Emergency shelter (tent/plastic tube tent/garbage bag)