The road was iced/snowed over on the drive out, but it’s flat so my little Mazda hatchback did just fine, even without chains. The turnoff to the gate is iced over, so parking there isn’t really an option. However, there is a pullout on the side of the road about 0.2 miles from the trailhead that fits about 10-15 cars, depending on how well people park. We parked about 9:30am and this pullout was almost full; it was completely full with vehicles circling by the time we left at 9:45. 

We made it the first half mile or so without any traction, but had to put on snowshoes when we started to posthole, even in the more packed parts of the trail. We leap frogged with a couple groups the whole way up the trail, but it didn’t feel particularly crowded. The trail is well traveled at this time, so we had no difficulty finding our way to the top. Just in case, though, stay to the right at the first fork. The left turn looks a more significant artery, but this will take you woefully far from your destination. Stay to the right.

This trail was a bit of a butt kicker. Yes, it’s only 2600 feet, but there are no switchbacks. You head straight up the ridge to the peak. Once you reach the actual Hex Mountain Trail, stay away from the edges; cornices have formed here and they pose a risk. We saw several human and dog tracks that got a little too close to the edge! There were several groups at the top, but there are lots of places to sit, so it didn’t feel too crowded. We soaked up the sun, made some hot chocolate, and crossed our fingers that Rainier would make an appearance (she didn’t). We had views of Stuart, the Enchantments, Daniel, and many other peaks, as well as the wind farm out by Ellensburg! 

We work spikes to get down the initial ascent from the peak so that we could kick our heels in. Others did this part with snowshoes, but it looked precarious and hard on the knees. We passed a couple more groups headed up during our descent. The snow had heated up and turned to the consistency of wet sand in some places, but we kept our snowshoes on the whole way. There were a few sections riddled with post holes that made the trail difficult to walk on. Please wear your snowshoes! Postholing ruins the trail for everyone.

When we got back to the car, several cars were parked on the narrow should along the road. I really wouldn’t recommend this. They were hanging halfway out into the road and I would worry about getting hit. Most of the ice on the road had melted at this time, so it was easy getting out. Parking pullout was still quite full at this time.

Overall, a great alternative activity to the Super Bowl #optoutside

This is a great little hike with some lovely views. The road is snow covered at the trailhead, and you'll have to park along Salmon La Sac Road. The snow on the road isn't bad, but just be aware of the thin coating of snow/ice. The trail is completely snow covered from the start. There is a well-tracked path all the way up to the summit. The snow is so packed down along this route, that you don't even need snowshoes. I did use snowshoes on my ascent, and they where useful due to their traction, but on the way down I just walked in boots, and I only postholed a few times. Boots with microspikes should be sufficient for current snow conditions, but I can't say how long that will be the case. The trail is well packed and easy to follow, so navigation shouldn't be an issue. There where plenty of other people I encountered on the way down, so it is still seeing plenty of use from snowsho-ers and ski tour-ers both. Overall this is a nice, low avalanche risk, winter hike, that has some great summit views.

We were so excited driving over the pass this morning, blue skies overhead. We dreamed of basking in the sun on the summit of Hex. No luck, however because once on the other side and passing through Roslyn, it was clear that the clear skies would not be for us today.

We couldn’t complain (much) as at least it wasn’t raining. In fact, if there was precipitation it would have been snow for sure.

There was one other car parked at the pullout as a significant berm and snow clogged the forest road, so we did the same and walked Salmon La Sac the short distance.

A compact trench meant we just wore boots on the ascent but snowshoes were strapped on our packs just in case. Training weight either way.

We made it to the junction with the Hex Mountain trail about quarter to 11.  Cle Elum Lake was a glossy black below as a few rays filtered though the moody skies. The wind was more pronounced and we added back on layers we had discarded on the way up.

There was more snow on the ridge but only one of us added snowshoes. This was my first time on Hex at this time of the year, my spring time visits definitely have more accumulation.

Shortly before the last push to the junction with Sasse, where the ridge flattens and makes for a great viewing point, my hip decided to act up and I made that my turn around point. My friends continued on to the summit but I didn’t feel bad as it looked socked in for the most part.

After taking a brief break, I put my snowshoes on for the trek down. Staying out of the trench, there was plenty of snow to drudge through. No powder, a little crunchy, but it didn’t stick or ball so I was happy.

I passed a few other sets of folks on my way down but otherwise it was a quiet day. Afterwards we gathered down in Roslyn to warm up!

Braved the cold up on hex mountain this Sunday ❄

So glad we made my way over to the Alpine Lakes wilderness for this one. I don't think I appreciated the beauty as much as I could have during our hike because of the cold. But after going over the pictures we took throughout the day I realized just how beautiful our day truly was.

I've had a few people reach out and ask about conditions on the trail!

A few thing's to note-
•Road leading up to trailhead had densely packed snow. There is also place to park across the street.
•Trail had a decent boot path. A few sections where powdery snow had blown over and snow was knee deep. Gators were helpful. No snowshoes were needed.
•There is a decent sized Cornice formed on the summit, be aware of where you step and try to avoid going near the ledge.

This is a great shoulder season day hike, with good views and southern exposure most of the way.  The first half of the hike on old roads (a "social" trail) can be confusing if it is your first time, but following the path on your smartphone using REI's Hiking Project will allow you to make the right choices when the roads fork.  The second half of the hike steepens as the route ascends up the ridge, also providing excellent views in all directions.  At 3 miles, bear right at the burned-out trail junction, making your way to the summit by first traversing south of the peak, and then back-tracking along an easier scree slope where the views are spectacular.  While the route is used seasonally by dirt bikers, the trail is in great shape.  No bikers today, and only a few other hikers were up there with me.  This 7-mile, 2,700-foot elevation gain is a good workout, but well worth the effort!