This last Thursday we day hiked up the old Cascade Crest Trail along Commonwealth Creek and up towards Red Mountain. Heading past the Red Mountain cutoff, we ascended narrow switchbacks and crossed a talus field as the trail ran towards a ridge crest to Red Pass. We chose the hike because we wanted to look at Mt. Thomson. The vistas from the ridge crest near Red Pass far exceeded my expectations and we lingered for photos and lunch. Only two small things marred the day: one was the smoky haze that obscured the longer views and muted all the colors and the bugs that were persistent at the pass. We used Picaridin with some success.
Once at the junction of the CCT with the spur that heads to the PCT the trail to Red Mountain crosses some boggy areas and another stream crossing with a large log. Not long after that, the hike ascends some steep switchbacks and we gained elevation rapidly. Although the trail is unmaintained it is in great shape. After the pass, steep switchbacks descend to the north and the continuation of the old CCT. Our stats: Around 7.6 miles round trip with roughly 2,300 feet of elevation gain. A very satisfying short hike. Saw only four other solo hikers and one dog.
I took two spherical panoramas along the ridge crest near the pass and one at a stream crossing through Commonwealth Creek. The 360s are hosted at 360cities.net For best viewing click on the ‘Toggle Fullscreen’ icon in the panel in the upper right of the onscreen image. Then scroll to experience the immersive image. The views are great but the lighting, not so much (smoky skies).
Red Pass Ridge Vista with Trees: https://www.360cities.net/image/red-pass-vista-with-trees-alpine-lakes-wilderness-wa-state
Red Pass Ridge Vista with Peaks: https://www.360cities.net/image/red-pass-vista-with-peaks-alpine-lakes-wilderness-wa-state
Commonwealth Creek Crossing: https://www.360cities.net/image/commonwealth-creek-crossing-alpine-lakes-wilderness-wa-state
Trailhead break-in alert! We drove into the trailhead parking lot for this hike, the Kendall Katwalk Trail (off exit 52 at Snoqualmie) at 7:20 am this morning to discover seven cars had their windows smashed. We guessed the victims were hikers who may have been overnighting somewhere on the trail. Shocking and sad. Please be aware that this can happen at any trailhead and that no valuables should be left in the car. Does anyone know what local law enforcement can do to reduce trailhead break-ins?
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