Steamboat Rock — Sunday, Mar. 10, 2019

I think it’s safe to say that most Seattlites would say Steamboat Rock is too far for a day hike. Not me!  If you can embrace the road trip, you’re in for a wonderful day. 

I did a big loop, starting at 6am with a drive over Snoqualmie Pass. The roads were clean and dry. I drove in and out of fog. The trees in the Cle Elum to Kititas area were covered in frosted ice. Very pretty. I headed north at Ephrata. Heavy fog cleared when I got to Soap Lake and the Coulee Coridor. Many massive frozen waterfalls clinging to the bassalt cliffs by Banks Lake. 

After 3.5 hours of driving I made it to the park. My friend from Spokane timed it just right and arrived shortly after. It only took her 2 hours. 

The 3 cabins were occupied and a couple RVs in the campground.  Restrooms were open and showers available if you have quarters.

My friend and I headed up the trail carrying micro spikes and yak tracks, not knowing what to expect.  The snow at the base of steamboat was about 6-8 inches.  It felt crunchy and dry.  Easy to walk in someone else’s old boot prints.  I don’t know when they had the last snow but it didn’t look like they get a lot of foot traffic. 

The rockiest part of the ascent was actually snow-free.  We slipped a little as the rocks settled, but no more than usual here. As we continued up, we just took it easy and kicked into the snow and made it to the top with no issues. Snow got deeper at the top 12+ inches. You could do this in snow boots and gators.  Snow shoes at the top if you don’t like sinking 6-12 inches.

Lots of critter footprints in the snow. Deer, rabbit, birds, little canine or feline prints that would occasionally pounce in the deep snow.

We had a hot lunch and celebrated my friend’s birthday. Don’t forget sunscreen and shades. The hike down was surprisingly easy.  We pictured accidental glissading but that crunchy snow was just right for getting traction.

I took Hiway 2 home. Those rolling hills west of Coulee city are absolutely beautiful, frosted like a cake in a 3 foot layer of marshmallow cream. Burger at the drive in in Leavenworth and sunset as I rolled into the driveway at home. 

Perfect day!