Summer is coming to White Pass! Although winter is trying to hold on. There is still quite a bit of snow on this trail, starting about 5400ft. It's not hard to cross, but trekking poles are helpful and I suspect spikes would make it much more enjoyable.
This hike is uphill all the way, although only a couple sections are steepish. Mostly forest on the way up, with a few peak-a-boo views. At the top, you are rewarded with excellent views of the surrounding area, if it's a clear day. We saw Rainier, Goat Rocks, Rimrock and Clear Lakes, and what I think was the midsection of Adams (the top was covered by clouds. No stream crossings or areas to refill on water, so make sure to take plenty with you. There were some gnats, flies and bees buzzing around but no one seemed to be biting. The wild flowers are mostly gone from the trail. There were a few lingering at the summit, but I saw lots along the road.
There are no signs at the trailhead about needing a recreation pass, but I would consider bringing a NW Forest Pass if you want to be safe. When you turn onto Tieton Reservoir Rd, there is a sign along the way that says NW Forest Pass is required where posted. One is required at the Clear Lake day use site.
Be cautious about taking your low clearance vehicle up this road. I made it in a Honda Accord, but I would think twice about it next time. There were some rocks across the road that looked deceptively small (I thought I could drive over them without scratching the under side of my car, but I was very wrong). If you take a low clearance car, I recommend trying to drive around the rocks or stopping and moving them by hand before proceeding - I did the later with the second rock. There are also some fairly large potholes. You can navigate around/across them, but do so carefully.
Specs: 5.56mi, 4hr 2min, 1669ft elevation
Comments