On a Thursday with perfect 70 degree weather, I was the only person on the trail all day... except for what looked like some kind of law enforcement that were just leaving as I got there. I'm assuming they were there searching for the guy that killed his daughters. When I picked up my new forest pass at the station in Cle Elum, the ranger there asked if I knew what was going on in the area, and I said yes. While I was hiking, a helicopter flew over me three times, probably looking at me with their binoculars trying to figure out if I was their guy. None of this phased me. I live in a part of the city where "gunshots or fireworks" is a regular question on the neighborhood Facebook group, so whatever is going on out in the woods is always safer than walking down my own street.
It's a beautiful trail that get close to the river and then leaves it only to come back again several times. Every view of the river is amazing. The grade is easy. The flowers seem past their peak but very lovely throughout. I had six hours, so I just walked up the trail for three hours (probably about 6 miles), found a nice spot next to the river, had a snack, and turned around. It wasn't the most climactic turnaround spot, but I have zero complaints.
There are tons of very good camp sites. I'm definitely logging the idea to drive out one evening, walk in a bit, camp, do the longer hike all the way, come back to my campsite for the night, and then walk out and drive home on the third day. We'll see. I look forward to coming back to this gorgeous neck of the woods.
Comments
I wonder if trying to figure out if you were the alleged triple murderer they were searching for was a good use of the helicopter's time.
Posted by:
ras7 on Jun 13, 2025 06:23 AM
Hadn't thought of that. Even if I was a distraction, I only saw the helicopter for about ten minutes. I actually did say hi to law enforcement at the trailhead. They knew I was there, and if they wanted me to turn around, they could have told me.
Posted by:
Thadeus on Jun 13, 2025 06:31 AM
The commenters attempt at a snarky insult toward LE and hikers blasé remarks about ‘what’s going on in the area’ show no respect for the immeasurable LE efforts nor for the suffering family and friends of the victims. Shameful.
Posted by:
snowmonkey on Jun 13, 2025 06:28 AM
I understand your concern. I apologize if my comments came across as disrespectful. That was not my intention. My heart goes out to the family, and I have deep respect for the work of law enforcement. The only intention I was trying to convey was that I did not personally feel unsafe.
Posted by:
Thadeus on Jun 13, 2025 06:54 AM