We got out from under the inversion dome just barely for some fresh air expecting some blue skies but the forecast kept creeping from sunny to mostly cloudy and was actually overcast when we made it above the inversion so we were sandwiched between clouds and fog. It was fun to get out and meander around anyway with the shockingly low snow levels and the beautiful frosted vegetation. We did this hike car to car and it was 20 degrees at 4300' where we parked one vehicle at the Devils Gulch Spur TH, and warmer, but no sun above where we started at the Squilchuck TH.
X country on the ridge above the Pipeline trail.
It Peak at just over 6000' looks pretty naked for December.
Nice photos and beta on local conditions. I hiked with a friend this morning who happens to be a ski instructor up at Mission. He said they are having trouble making snow on top because of the inversion and resulting warmer temperatures up higher. He also said they are having ski races up there this week!
At least I had a good excuse for passing on this trip....I was at the foot doctor finally getting my feet evaluated and measured for orthotics so I can decrease foot pain and increase my mileage this coming spring/summer/fall. Maybe I will be able to join you guys on more trips then!
You are lucky to have all the beautiful rocks exposed out there. And a trail running right by it is cool.
That trail runs above and along the canyon ridge it's very nice with the rock formations, colors, views (when it's clear), and wildflowers. You can connect it to many other trails or off trail routes to make trips of different types and lengths. Nice rapid access from the road.
HitTheTrail wrote:
He said they are having trouble making snow on top because of the inversion and resulting warmer temperatures up higher.
There's usually many feet of snow up there, last year absolutely buried, but this La Nina hybrid has been curious. I don't ski so give me sunshine or let it rain. Big Bend was buried it was snow free at 5700' along with Chumstick at 5800' from the South.
Wow! Old as Dirt!.......You know, talking about those trails. Hey wait, I resemble that remark.
"These are the places you will find me hiding'...These are the places I will always go."
(Down in the Valley by The Head and The Heart)
"Sometimes you're happy. Sometimes you cry.
Half of me is ocean. Half of me is sky."
(Thanks, Tom Petty)
0
"These are the places you will find me hiding'...These are the places I will always go."
(Down in the Valley by The Head and The Heart)
"Sometimes you're happy. Sometimes you cry.
Half of me is ocean. Half of me is sky."
(Thanks, Tom Petty)
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