My buddy and I headed east for a couple of days. We hiked Thunder Knob where I met Muledeer! We have been exchanging comments on Trip Reports for years, but I did not know her. The Thunder Knob trail is dry, but easy to hike.
The second stop was Washington Pass Overlook. The road from the highway to the parking lot was plowed, but the gate was closed. We walked from the highway. There was snow from the parking lot to the overlook, but it was easy to walk on it. The mountains looked impressive with the snow that remains on them.
We drove to Winthrop, had dinner, and drove up to Sun Mountain Lodge. We hiked the Sun Mountain trails in the evening and were mesmerized by the beautiful flowers and setting.
This morning we headed west on Hwy 20 and stopped to hike Driveway Butte. This is a very steep hike with great views and plenty of wildflowers. I found a grouse booming in a meadow at 5,500'.
We hiked a total of 11 miles and enjoyed our trip immensely. This is a good time to visit the Methow Valley. The mornings are cool and the trails are excellent.
Comments
Cliff birdsall on Thunder Knob, Washington Pass Overlook, Sun Mountain Trails, Driveway Butte
Love this.
Posted by:
Cliff birdsall on May 09, 2019 03:15 PM
Muledeer on Thunder Knob, Washington Pass Overlook, Sun Mountain Trails, Driveway Butte
Nice pic of the grouse! Sounds like a great outing!
Posted by:
Muledeer on May 09, 2019 03:38 PM
fourteen410 on Thunder Knob, Washington Pass Overlook, Sun Mountain Trails, Driveway Butte
Did you make it to the top of Driveway Butte? Curious what the snow conditions are like up there now that we've had some warm weather this week.
Posted by:
fourteen410 on May 09, 2019 10:48 PM
geezerhiker on Thunder Knob, Washington Pass Overlook, Sun Mountain Trails, Driveway Butte
We turned around 500 vertical feet from the top (5,982') because of our schedule. There was no snow in sight and there were no patches of snow on the ground.
Posted by:
geezerhiker on May 10, 2019 04:33 AM
fourteen410 on Thunder Knob, Washington Pass Overlook, Sun Mountain Trails, Driveway Butte
Wow, there's been some serious snow melt since the last report 2 weeks ago then. Did you make it through the burn area or turn around before that?
Posted by:
fourteen410 on May 10, 2019 10:40 AM
geezerhiker on Thunder Knob, Washington Pass Overlook, Sun Mountain Trails, Driveway Butte
We turned around just before the burn area, but there was no snow visible looking up.
Happy trails,
Geezerhiker
Posted by:
geezerhiker on May 10, 2019 02:36 PM
RnCnT on Thunder Knob, Washington Pass Overlook, Sun Mountain Trails, Driveway Butte
Was there snow at Driveway Butte? & Did you hike to the 6k viewpoint?
Posted by:
RnCnT on May 10, 2019 04:59 PM
RnCnT on Thunder Knob, Washington Pass Overlook, Sun Mountain Trails, Driveway Butte
oops, sorry - didnt read other comments before asking ;-)
Posted by:
RnCnT on May 10, 2019 05:00 PM
V. Frances on Thunder Knob, Washington Pass Overlook, Sun Mountain Trails, Driveway Butte
so helpful! planning a trip this weekend, thank you!!
Posted by:
V. Frances on May 15, 2019 07:32 PM