Father's Day day hikes
"Partly cloudy" is the forecast
for west of the crest this Father's Day weekend. Things look a bit
more promising east
of the crest. Good enough reason to take Dad out for a hike.
Keep in mind, as
snow melts, that means mosquitoes. Read this Seattle Times piece
on how to avoid bites (including some delightful quotes from
regular Washington Trails writer Kim Brown).
Here are a couple last-minute suggestions:
Fourth of July Creek Great hike out the Icicle Creek drainage near Leavenworth with views of the Stuart Range and surrounding peaks. Latest trip reports indicate that the lower sections are generally free of snow.
Dorothy Lake A classic day hike to one of the larger lakes in the Alpine Lake Wilderness. A popular spot, but rightfully so, and also a good first-time backpacking destination. Snowfree.
Ira Spring Trail to Mason Lake. There may still be patches of snow on Bandera Mountain, in the I-90 corridor west of Snoqualmie Pass, but this route (named for the ardent supporter of trails in the Northwest) is now clear of snow.
Greenwater Lakes The wildflowers are out and the snow is gone on this fantastic hike out of Enumclaw.
Lena Lakes The first three miles to Lower Lena Lake in the eastern Olympics are snowfree. Don't expect solitude here, but if you trek up in snow to Upper Lena and the Valley of the Silent Men, your opportunities for true silence increase.
Canyon Lake Creek Community Forest This 7.5-mile foothills trail east of Bellingham is home to an impressive stand of 700-year old Alaska cedars. No current report.
Photo of Mount Defiance and Lake Kula Kula from the Ira Spring Memorial Trail by "Carey."
Keep in mind, as
snow melts, that means mosquitoes. Read this Seattle Times piece
on how to avoid bites (including some delightful quotes from
regular Washington Trails writer Kim Brown).Here are a couple last-minute suggestions:
Fourth of July Creek Great hike out the Icicle Creek drainage near Leavenworth with views of the Stuart Range and surrounding peaks. Latest trip reports indicate that the lower sections are generally free of snow.
Dorothy Lake A classic day hike to one of the larger lakes in the Alpine Lake Wilderness. A popular spot, but rightfully so, and also a good first-time backpacking destination. Snowfree.
Ira Spring Trail to Mason Lake. There may still be patches of snow on Bandera Mountain, in the I-90 corridor west of Snoqualmie Pass, but this route (named for the ardent supporter of trails in the Northwest) is now clear of snow.
Greenwater Lakes The wildflowers are out and the snow is gone on this fantastic hike out of Enumclaw.
Lena Lakes The first three miles to Lower Lena Lake in the eastern Olympics are snowfree. Don't expect solitude here, but if you trek up in snow to Upper Lena and the Valley of the Silent Men, your opportunities for true silence increase.
Canyon Lake Creek Community Forest This 7.5-mile foothills trail east of Bellingham is home to an impressive stand of 700-year old Alaska cedars. No current report.
Photo of Mount Defiance and Lake Kula Kula from the Ira Spring Memorial Trail by "Carey."
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