Field trip: Conditioning Hiking Series

CHS 1 Hike - Taylor River

CHS-1 paced hike (1.8-2.0 mph) originally intended for Kendall Katwalk and Ridge Lake but changed the day before to Snoqualmie Lake, Otter Falls/Lipsy Lake, and Big Creek Falls (17 miles and 2300' gain) due to smoke and wind patterns pushing poor AQI plumes across the PCT.

Contacts

Courtenay Schurman

Primary Leader

Tue, Sep 30, 2025
Committee: Seattle Hiking Committee
Activity Type: Day Hiking
Audience: Adults

Difficulty: challenging
Leader Rating: Moderate
Mileage: 17.0 mi
Elevation Gain: 2,300 ft
Pace: 1.8-2 mph

Availability: 1 (7 capacity)
Registration Open: Wed, Aug 13, 2025 at 9:00 AM
Registration Closed: Sun, Sep 28, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Add to Calendar: iCal Google

Leader's notes

Our pace will be 2 for most of the easy grade trip (12 miles of the 17) to 1.5-1.7 mph on the uphill portion. Bring an N-99 mask if you're at all concerned about smoke inhalation.

Have at least 2 liters of water; this route has decent places to filter. Poles would be a good idea given recent rains. We got this!

Meeting place and time

Early Tuesday start. Meet at the Exit 34 (Otter Falls / Middle Fork Snoqualmie) trailhead at 6:45 a.m. with boots on ready for introductions. Details were sent in Hello Hiker email.

Route/Place

Taylor River

Recommended Maps & Charts:
Green Trails Mt Si No. 174
Green Trails Skykomish No. 175
Green Trails Middle Fork Snoqualmie No. 174SX
Trails Illustrated Alpine Lakes Wilderness
See full route/place details.

Roster

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) plan for a long day
Hydration (extra water) at least 3 liters / filter usable only at one creek/2 lakes
Emergency shelter (tent/plastic tube tent/garbage bag)