I came, I enjoyed, and I never have to drive that road again. Gnarliest forest road ever! Trail is as described - not easy, but I never saw another person. I hike alone and never have concerns, but today was a little unsettling. I knew this was the site of 2 women being shot to death (may you rest in peace, dear fellow hikers and fellow educators), but it wasn’t til I saw the memorial sign that I realized today was the actual 18-year anniversary, to the day. I paused and said a prayer for their family. While I was enjoying the beautiful little tarn before Pinnacle Lake, I looked down and found a bullet casing. I’m no gun expert, but I know you don’t use a Luger to hunt animals. Then while enjoying a peaceful respite by the lake, my dog started barking at something, which he never does on hikes. Time to head back. Just a little eerie in the woods today.
Type of Hike
Day hikeTrail Conditions
Minor obstacles posing few problemsRoad
Road recommended for high clearance onlyBugs
Bugs were not too badSnow
Snow free
Comments
Did you report the bullet casing? The case has never been solved and I wonder if this is the first time that casing has been uncovered by weather or snow.
Posted by:
Muledeer on Jul 11, 2024 09:35 PM
What muledeer said! I hope you saved, or know where to find, that bullet casing. This used to be my favorite trail; I was there with my then 11-year-old daughter and her younger friend 9 days before the murders.
Posted by:
Forestdancr on Jul 11, 2024 10:45 PM
"If anyone has any information regarding this case, please contact the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office tip line at (425) 388-3845."
Posted by:
Seattle_Wayne on Jul 12, 2024 04:16 AM
Today 7/12 is the 18th anniversary of the shooting, the tip line was also listed in our local neighborhood blog, same number as Seattle Wayne posted, they are still trying to solve the case
Posted by:
Muledeer on Jul 12, 2024 04:13 PM
Thanks, everyone. Unfortunately for the unsolved case, the bullet casing I found (and packed out with other trash) was very recent - still shiny with no rust.
Posted by:
joditty on Jul 15, 2024 11:51 PM
Hi joditty,
Thank you for respecting the memories of our dearest Mary Cooper and her daughter Susanna Stodden. Mary was the librarian of our children's elementary school (then "AE2", now known as Thornton Creek). I do not exaggerate when saying she was the single most beloved staff member, teachers included, by children and parents alike. I can still see her leading a class from their room to the library or back, always with a smile on her face.
Until reading your description I had thought wrongly that they were murdered on the Mt. Pilchuck trail. Therefore, we had avoided that trail. Saturday (Aug. 3) was the first time ever that I said, ok enough time had passed, and we hiked up that mountain. By coincidence when sitting to write my trip report I got curious about Pinnacle Lake and looked up this trail as well.
May their murder be solved soon, and may their families and loved ones have some peace at last.
Posted by:
EliyahuOron on Aug 05, 2024 08:26 AM
Oh EliyahuOron, I am so very sorry for your loss. I'm an elementary school counselor, and can just imagine how much the students must have adored their dear librarian. Like you, I had avoided this hike for years because of what had happened there, even though I didn't know them, and finally decided it was time. Yes, may their murder be solved soon, and may their families and loved ones have some peace at last.
Posted by:
joditty on Aug 05, 2024 04:06 PM