Inspired by REI's #OptOutside challenge, I skipped the crowds and headed into the great outdoors. Went to Snow Mountain Ranch and did the Cowiche Mountain Trail Loop - up the West trail, down the East trail.
Yakima was enshrouded in fog, but Snow Mt. was sunny and clear - yes! The trail was frozen and slippery on the way up - good boots and poles (and careful steps) made me more confident. The upper half had 1/4-inch of snow on the trail, which actually made traction easier. I saw lots of animal prints - for awhile my imagination convinced me I was being tracked by a saber-toothed tiger, but then Google helped me figure out it was just a coyote (I think).
Took a 30-minute break at the top to drink coffee and read a little. I did put on my YakTrax for the hike down - this helped a TON. Had the trail to myself on the way up, only a few other people (and dogs) on the way down.
Started hiking at 7:30am, 90 minutes to the top, 30 minute break, then back to the car by 10:45am. Round trip approx 6 miles.
Hope all of you have a great #OptOutside Black Friday!
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