Dirty Harry's Peak — Saturday, Jan. 28, 2006

Snoqualmie Region > Snoqualmie Pass

Where to go snowshoeing in conditions like this? Hiker Jim joined us this morning. We wanted a hike that was a safe and short drive, a good workout, and with minimal avalanche danger. Therefore we chose Dirty Harry's Peak, which is accessed from exit 38 from I-90. Directions can be found in the book ""55 Hikes around Snoqualmie Pass"". The road-trail begins at elevation 1350ft. in a stream bed. We booted up about 2 miles, then put on our snowshoes. Since the snow was so deep and soft, it was really helpful to have 3 people breaking trail. In places there was a lot of brush to plow through, and at times the road-trail was a virtual stream that we had to walk up with our snowshoes. There is only one open slope on this route, and you cross it at the bottom of the slope. (minimal avalanche danger). As you approach the top the trail steepens, then levels off as you reach the summit. All in all, this is a great winter outing. Distance: 11 miles RT Elevation Gain: 3400 ft. Time: 4.25hrs. up, 2 hrs. down