CHS 2 Hike - Benchmark Mountain via West Cady Ridge

Instead of the usual route of going up West Cady Ridge trail to get to Benchmark Mtn, then returning the same way, we will do a loop starting with the North Fork Skykomish River trail and ending with coming down the West Cady Ridge trail.   The route will take us through a variety of terrains, including a wet meadow crossed by a boardwalk, cool forests, open meadows with a mountainous backdrop (think "Sound of Music"), and seemingly endless fields of blueberries on the way down from Benchmark (which we will stop to collect).  There will be water crossings; boots will likely get wet.   And we will pass a popular camping area for PCT thru-hikers.  There, we can refill water from the creek.  There is even a "toilet"!

We will take the usual breaks for clothing adjustments, bio-breaks, and water/snacks.  A longer break will be taken when on top of Benchmark Mtn.  There will also be time for blueberry picking!

Do not make any plans for the late afternoon/evening that day.  It will be a long day of hiking, followed by some food, and then the inevitable heavy westbound traffic on US 2 between Gold Bar and Sultan.

The Hello Hiker email will provide the final word on when to meet.  Tentatively, let's plan to meet at the Monroe Fairgrounds Park and Ride on US 2 at 6AM.   The address is 17433 Stevens Pass Highway/US 2.   From there, the drive to the trailhead via Index and Galena will take ~1 hour 20 minutes.  We should be ready to hit the trail by 7:30.  This should put us on Benchmark around 12:30.  

The Northwest Forest Pass will be needed for parking.  There is a privy at the trailhead.