Don't let the name fool you - there is nothing easy about this hike! At least it's fairly short, but it's not a trail you will hike quickly.
I'm happy to report that someone did a lot of work on the lower half of the trail. It has been logged out, brushed out, and even some much-needed tread work has been done! Many thanks to whomever is responsible for this great work.
Alas, the same can't be said for the upper half of the trail. There are several areas where you cross a steep, exposed sidehill on narrow, sluffing tread. Grass alone wouldn't do much to stop you if you slipped. I found it unnerving, although I pressed on.
Beyond that is about a 1/4-mile section with many blowdowns that have not been cleared. Hikers have made ugly, but necessary, detour trails around them.
The area beyond the pass is a dream. Attractive-looking scramble routes beckon both to the north and south, for those with the time and energy to try them. At any rate, don't miss the side trip to Sprite Lake.
Even though the Cle Elum River Valley area was jam-packed with hikers, I only saw three people all day on the trail. No complaints here!
Comments