Whistler Canyon Trail — Sunday, May. 12, 2013

Eastern Washington > Okanogan Highlands/Kettle River Range

This Trail started out with massive potential. The trail head was nicely marked on highway 97 and easy to find/park. There is new white rock laid down the whole area. A great sign/map marks the trail along with some other options (there are several you can go on) I was here for the frog pond trail which branches off the Whistler Canyon Trail #100. This area was well updated with trail conditions too. So this trail is predominatley used by horses but is hikeable by people as well. I was excited as I followed the white rock trail to the side of the mountain, then my excitement began to fade a little. The trail itself was very narrow and rocky. Obviously abused a bit by horses. I trecked on anyways. The trail is steep at first, the guide book claimed a level 2, but it starts at a 4 in my opinion. The views initially are amazing too. So about .8 miles in the trail is easily marked showing the frog pond trail to the left. Off me and my little dog went. This trail was pretty obvioulsy used less but turned into a level 2 trail as originally stated. The undergrowth was beginning to overgrow the trail but it was still visible enough to follow. There was small flowers and wild roses plus lots of green! A few spots were muddy along the way but easily crossed. Regrettably we did not make it to the pond because of a particularly large and grumpy bull snake across the trail. (my dog weighs 9 lbs, I don't like the thought of snakes biting her :) ) Overall the skeeters were just starting to get bad and you MUST watch your step for snakes, I saw two on my short walk (and one frog) I suggest you try it out!