Mount Pilchuck
Jul 21, 2012
by
Ryan L.
—
last modified
Jul 22, 2012 11:14 AM
- Type of Outing
- Day hike
- Read More in our Hiking Guide
- Hike: Mount Pilchuck
- Region: North Cascades -- Mountain Loop Highway
- Agency: Mount Baker Snoqualmie National Forest - Darrington Ranger District
- Trails: Mount Pilchuck (#700)
- Avg Rating: 4.27
- Be Aware Of
- Water on trail
- Snow on trail
- Bugs
The first thing that I noticed as I got out of the car was the bugs. They are out in full force (this can be seen by the 3 dozen photos I had to scrap due to bug interference). As I went up the trail, they did not get any better until we were well beyond the trees and climbing up the boulders to the lookout.
Another thing to note is that where there was not snow, there was a lot of water. I prepared for this since I attempted to get to the lookout in early June; but, did not have the traction due to the snow. Since we have gotten warmer I expected their to be snow melt.
The snow is still up there but easily manageable. Besides about 4 spots, I had no use for Trek Poles. There were many folks that were at the lookout that made it up in only tennis shoes (though I still would not recommend this method of travel for any hike). On the way down my leg did sink down a few times pretty deep into the snow. It was pretty slippery but once again nothing un-manageable.
The hike was great over all and I was witness to some amazing view of clouds (no summits at all). As I got back down to the tree-covered portion of the park the sun started to peak through and I am guessing the afternoon flock of hikers got a wonderful view (I am a morning person so I beat the crowds).
The only thing I would recommend to watch out is melting snow. The pack is not near as solid as it was a month ago so watch your step. Trek Poles are great for poking where you are going to place your foot next. There is still quite a bit more snow to melt before the trail is easily seen but the traffic up and down the mountain has paved a pretty good road to get to the top.
Finally, do not wander to far from the the foot prints. It is still very white out there and I saw a couple of folks that were well off the trail and had difficulty getting back to it. Use you head, watch where you walk, make sure you packed your common sense, and have a great hike.
Another thing to note is that where there was not snow, there was a lot of water. I prepared for this since I attempted to get to the lookout in early June; but, did not have the traction due to the snow. Since we have gotten warmer I expected their to be snow melt.
The snow is still up there but easily manageable. Besides about 4 spots, I had no use for Trek Poles. There were many folks that were at the lookout that made it up in only tennis shoes (though I still would not recommend this method of travel for any hike). On the way down my leg did sink down a few times pretty deep into the snow. It was pretty slippery but once again nothing un-manageable.
The hike was great over all and I was witness to some amazing view of clouds (no summits at all). As I got back down to the tree-covered portion of the park the sun started to peak through and I am guessing the afternoon flock of hikers got a wonderful view (I am a morning person so I beat the crowds).
The only thing I would recommend to watch out is melting snow. The pack is not near as solid as it was a month ago so watch your step. Trek Poles are great for poking where you are going to place your foot next. There is still quite a bit more snow to melt before the trail is easily seen but the traffic up and down the mountain has paved a pretty good road to get to the top.
Finally, do not wander to far from the the foot prints. It is still very white out there and I saw a couple of folks that were well off the trail and had difficulty getting back to it. Use you head, watch where you walk, make sure you packed your common sense, and have a great hike.
Document Actions
- Email this page
- Print this
- Share
