It looked like another blue sky day in the valley, so after a couple Americanos and some Keb Mo "Live" while waiting for the temps to rise a bit Hit the Trail picked me up and we made our way to Squilchuck State Park where we crossed the parking lot and headed along a shaded forest trail heading East, then NE below Stemilt Ridge. We slowly gained some elevation to an overlook, crossing the top of the ridge and heading off trail to a random highpoint (around 3900'). The snow on the ridge was maybe 1-2' at most and we found a sunny spot near a couple large trees with grass exposed to have lunch. Once there it was blue skies, sun, and no wind for a change so we kicked back and had a relaxing lunch / coffee / tea time. HtT needed to make it a short day and that was fine as I wanted to catch the Orange Bowl. Good exercise and fun to get out.
"The Hive"
We hiked a couple miles in the shade of the forest and below Stemilt Ridge before rounding the ridge and getting some sun from the East.
You can see the Devils Gulch Spur trail crossing along the canyon wall up valley.
Hiking across the top of Stemilt Ridge hitting a highpoint and looking for a sunny lunch spot.
With my daughter and some guys from my ski group dragging me out skiing several times a week for the past month my hiking had been taking a back seat. It was good to get out again. Especially with one of the most posted guys on the whole freaking NWhikers forum. I always get new hiking ideas from him even having a causal chat over coffee. Another good hike on what turned out to be a beautiful day.
Starting out
Who needs snowshoes in this stuff
Mission Ridge Ski area on the horizon just above his head
Leaving a wake as he steam rolls the snow to the high point
Beautiful bluebird day!
I find myself often envious of your many trip options close to Wenatchee with all that openness. We have many trip options near Bellingham, too, but mostly in thick forest for most or all of the way.
Views are overrated.
Passing rocks and trees like they were standing still
0
Passing rocks and trees like they were standing still
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate NWHikers.net earns from qualifying purchases when you use our link(s).