Trip report roundup: Trees down, snow sticking around

With winter storms rolling into the region and a bomb cyclone knocking down trees (in addition to power for many communities), the conditions on trails have changed a lot in the last week. Some places, like Wallace Falls State Park, sustained enough damage to close completely.

While our trail maintenance crews often encounter dozens (or hundreds) of logs down on more remote trails, the recent conditions give hikers a taste of just how quickly a trail — even those close to town — can disappear. And it's a reminder that, without the staff and resources to clear trails, they can be inaccessible for a long time. 

This week also highlights just how quickly weather conditions in our region can change, and why every trip report is such a gift to the entire hiking community. They help hikers and land managers get a sense of what's out there and how to prepare to recreate safely right now. So, check the forecast and avalanche conditions, hike safely out there and be sure to give back with your own trip report.

Soaring Eagle Regional Park

In this local hiker and mountain bike favorite, L-Dub found plenty of debris.

"There were dozens of downed trees, including a 200-foot stretch where the tread essentially disappeared in a mess of blowdowns."

Little Si

HikeItSeeIt ventured out in the early morning hours to Little Si, and reported quite a bit of wind damage and trees down on this local favorite.

Poo Poo Point

On Wednesday, trip reporter adventurelover, who had no power at home, ventured up after the storm to see how the trail had fared. After the first mile, they report the trail got a little wild.

The next day, B Sun, who also didn't have power at home, braved the way to Poo Poo and reported on conditions up the Chirico Trail to the summit, including damage to the information kiosk.

"One striking sight was the bulletin board by the summit—the roof had been destroyed by a fallen tree."

Bridle Trails State Park

The day after the storm, MarkinKirkland ventured out on this local network in the close-to-town state park. The easy trails are often a favorite for families, trail runners and equestrians, but with so many trees down, they suggested going prepared to scramble or holding off on a visit for now. 

Peek-a-boo Lake

In the higher elevations, trip reports have also been showing an early dump of snow. Some of that is likely to stick around and make roads and trails that require caution and gear, like this one from Westwong.

Road now has some tracks, but it would probably take a good 4x4 rig to make it. Tons of fresh powder! 3 - 6 feet at times.

Easton Ridge

Just east of Snoqualmie Pass, WTA member and trip reporter kidz won't hike reported a mix of conditions on the roads leading to the trailhead. It's still early winter in Washington, which means snow conditions can remake familiar trails and features into something spectacular and vary wildly week to week.

Mount Spokane State Park

Even the higher country on the eastern edges of the state picked up some early snow. WTA staffer Holly Weiler reported on conditions at this local favorite from atop her nordic skis.