Bare Mountain — Thursday, Jul. 4, 2002

Snoqualmie Region > North Bend Area

Yawn, work was very quiet. Can a pika escape for the afternoon? My paws trembled with anticipation as I drove the long, long road to Bare Mountain. Massive clearcuts and industrial forestland whizzed by. At 3 PM I reached the trailhead and scampered up a bouldery roadbed to a river crossing. There is a good log across the first half, then you hop three rocks to finish. I saw 6 people on this trail, but was happy to share it - it is incredible! I expected a Mount Sigh experience, but an incredible circ-mit-waterfalls and large steep meadows made it worth the drive. Hiking up many, many (55?) switchbacks I marvelled at the exponentially expanding views of snowy ridgetops and green valleys. Near the summit I was glad for Mr. Ice Axe, as there was a steep snowfinger I needed to kick steps across. The exposure on this trail is exciting, but watch your step! From the summit I saw Tiny Seattle, Glacier Peak, and many other special friends. Chimney Rock looks especially forbidding from here. Nibbling on some stores from last fall, I began my descent, relaxing only after the snow was passed. My paws were a blur, and I grew dizzy on the switchbacks. I crossed the river and reached the car at 6:20 PM. It is 8 PM, I'm back in the office, nose twitching!