Mount Pilchuck — Monday, Feb. 16, 2015

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

I felt waves of cognitive dissonance on the drive to the trailhead. Driving toward Granite Falls, clear skies overhead, and Mt. Pilchuck silhouetted in the pre-dawn glow, I couldn't help but think it a early fall day. And yet, the calander read February... The road up to Pilchuck has some pretty healthy potholes, but the highlight is a washout a few miles in. While still passable to cars, it will not have to get much worse before it starts weeding out Smart Cars and Priuses. There is also second, less severe washout developing shortly after the first. I set up the trail just a few moments before dawn. The lower 1/3 of the trail has a few spots of mud, but was mostly in good condition. The first few peekaboo views revealed a lovely, clear day dawning below. It was so pleasant, so cool and crisp that it felt like October. And yet, the calander read February... Breaking out into the open revealed a panoply of peaks bathed in the morning light, Three Fingers being front and center. From here on to the top, there were many patches of ice. Boots, poles and careful stepping would be enough to manage, but since I had my microspikes with me, I figured there was no point in not using them. Aside from these patches of ice, the trail was as clear as could be. It reminded me of hiking this trail in October, and yet, the calander read February... The trail crossed over to the west face of the mountain, and the Puget sound lowlands, replete with patches of fog, were laid out below. Mt. Rainier could be clearly seen to the south, along with a porcupine of skyscrapers. The Olympics, the Whulge, Lake Stevens and Everett laid out to the east, and The Skagit could be seen to the north. Breathtaking. After a final run of concrete-like, icey snow, the trail led me to the top. The summit was readily attained. I have stood there many times before, and taken in that vista, but this time there was something just so special, so wonderful about it. The sense of wonder reminded me of how I felt the first time I stood there. I lingered, and lingered, just gazing, just looking, just being. It was trascendant. As I stood at the lookout, other hikers started to trickle in. One, upon climbing the ladder, thurned to me and said "Well, there's a first time for everything." Comprehending perfectly, I turned to him as said in unison, "February!" I will admit, my mood was spoiled some on the was down by the appearance of the yokels. First was "jeans guy." Then came the couple in tennis shoes. Followed by the backpack-free crowd. And then, the newest of the breed, "selfie-stick yokel." There was an incredible stream of people headed up the trail, hiker and yokel alike, but it was the woefully underprepared folks that caused me concern. I'm sure that as the sun touched the horizon that evening there were still people in jeans and tennis shoes, headed across treacherous patches of ice, with neither a backpack nor the slightest clue of what the 10 essentials are. Though it soured my mood some (I was tempted to start turning back those who were clearly lacking in sound judgment), it didn't ruin my day. The final vestigal views as the trail submerged into the forest helped, as did my resolve to do something mildly cathartic in this trip report. So here goes: The following is not a rant (the rant is above, where I call people yokels). I am writing this out of genuine concern for your safety. People get lost and injured on the Mount Pilchuck trail with stunning regularity....during the summer. And, despite the general lack of snow and the unseasonable sunshine, it is still winter out there, which compounds the dangers for underprepared hikers with its attendant short days, cold nights, and potentially treacherous conditions. Here are some rules for winter hiking in the mountains: - If you are thinking about heading out in tennis shoes, PLEASE DO NOT GO. Neon colored running shoes are included in this category. - If you are wearing jeans, PLEASE DO NOT GO. The best dressed corpses wear cotton. - If you are headed up in shorts and not carrying additional layers, PLEASE DO NOT GO. Unless you think you'd look good as popsicle. - If you don't have the slightest idea of when sunset is, or how long it may take you to complete the hike, PLEASE DO NOT GO. - If you do not know what the 10 Essentials are, and you are not carrying them, PLEASE DO NOT GO. Study up, do your research, and make an informed decision as to whether your skills and equipment are up to the task. If you have any doubt, find an alternative destination. There are lots of great destinations that are more forgiving for the unprepared. Find a beach hike, front country hike, or nice river hike. Wallace Falls is nice. Ebey's Landing...great choice. Worst case, walk around Green Lake. If your heart is set on Pilchuck, wait until summer. The days are longer and the nights are warmer, so the probability of you being found alive when the inevitable happens are much higher.