Mount Washington — Monday, Jan. 2, 2012

Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area

This is the second time I did this hike this winter,and like before, I brought snowshoes. There was a lot less snow since Novenber 26, but the snow was a lot more frozen and firm. We used our snowshoes after the ponds at 3600 feet for the traction, but microspikes would have been better because the snow was very slippery. We reached the summit before noon, and were visited by some birds who stole some of our lunch. The views were, as always, amazing. We could see Mt. Rainer clearly, as well as the Olympics and the surrounding Cascade peaks. On the way down, my companion slipped and fell and slid into a stump. Because of the ice, an ice-axe would have been beneficial. It started raining when we reached our car, but overall, it was an enjoyable outing.