Meander Meadow - Dishpan Gap - Cady Ridge Loop — Tuesday, Sep. 9, 2014

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East

This loop was a goal all summer but kept being postponed by the wildfire closures. Finally made it out this week. A September mid-week trip was great, not crowded at all and not so hot. The Little Wenatchee trail was brushy, so I was glad to be wearing long pants, but it was still easy to see the trail and views over the shoulder-high brush. Footing is good the whole way, and many small streams provide water if needed (especially for the dog). The meadow was great, even though the wildflowers are waning, and some fall colors are coming out. The whole place is exploding with blueberries, and we had marmots and lots of birds. The campsites are in good shape, the river sounds lovely and is a great water source, and the toilet has a fabulous view. The trailhead trail report from 2 days before called it wet and overgrown, but other than the obvious boggy areas, it was relatively dry. The campsites are all situated higher than the boggy stuff with obvious trails between. There were still a lot of hungry mosquitoes in between wind gusts. We didn't see anyone on the hike up after the first trail junction, and only one other party camped in the meadow. It was partly-mostly cloudy in the evening, but we were treated to a bright, just-past-full moonrise and a good showing of stars. In the morning, we had a brief, light rain and hiked up to the PCT in the clouds. Before Dishpan Gap, the clouds started breaking up to treat us to some views. We did see 8-10 people on the PCT in the hour we were there. We passed a couple of good campsites along the PCT, and just after turning onto the Cady Ridge trail (no water, though). We had Cady Ridge trail all to ourselves until the trailhead. The trail is narrow but in good shape along the ridge. The grasses and blueberry bushes are about knee deep, and after the dew + morning shower, my pant legs and boots were quite wet - probably could have used gaiters. It undulates over the ridgeline, so the views vary and are all great. About 2 miles from the PCT, the trail goes over its high point - 5800ish - and has nearly 360 views (but for some trees). Glacier Peak finally played a little hide and seek from behind the clouds there. There are a couple more ups and downs on the ridge for a mile or so, and then you start descending. It starts fairly moderately, gets really steep and loose as it enters the forest, then finally has some easier switchbacks the last mile. There was no water source after Meander Meadow (maybe some puddles and potholes along the PCT) until the last mile of Cady Ridge. There is an excellent bridge over the Little Wenatchee River. I'm sure we missed some of the summer wildflower glory, but avoiding the crowds and heat may have actually been better than the original plan.