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Sadie's Driver Sadie's Driver
Joined: 24 Apr 2006 Posts: 1763 | TRs | Pics Location: Welcome Pass |
Trail Pair were itching to get back out even though the weather outlook was less than enticing. Our initial plan was to head up Web via Dirty Harry's Museum. But Barry checked the web cams on Snoqualmie at 6:45 a.m. and it looked like the skies were clear on the east side of the Pass. A quick call to Bob and Kolleen and our plans shifted to trying a new route of Keechelus Ridge. Opus (David) was clueless about what he was in for today - trusting us to take good care of him. Since all of us were too to attempt any steep slope stuff, Keechelus turned out to be a perfect choice for many reasons. The first, the weather was absolutely crummy by the time we reached Exit 38 - (where we would have turned off for Dirty Harry/Web) and the roads were not good. As we continued on east, the roads improved some (snowplows probably had a lot to do with that!) and by the time we reached the summit, the roads were in great shape and the skies were clearing. (Note - Summit West & East ski areas were closed - only Summit Central and Alpental were open today.) We took the Stampede Pass exit, crossed over I-90 and headed west to access the Sno-Park. At 8:45 a.m. there already was a boatload of "bubblers" accessing the area.Lone 'shoers among the snow-mo-bubblers
We headed out a little after 9:00 a.m.Gus herding the gaggle - always tough taking care of the group!. Troops heading out with blue skies ahead!
staying on the road for less than a mile. In fact between hereNoble Creek on the east
and hereWarning sign to the west
is where you want to start heading up towards the ridge. We disregarded all previous routes we have taken (some closer to Price Creek) and the directions in the "Snowshoe Routes" book and decided to give this a go. Just before we left the road, we put on our snowshoesSnowshoe time
- well, the two-legged hikers. Gus was hell bent on catching a snowmobiler and chased down two - I really don't know what he would do with one if he caught it! A quick reprimand and he was back in line as we headed up this new ridge walk.First part of the route
We were encouraged as we saw the skies clearing - maybe this would be our first weekend in March with decent weather! Peek-a-boo views Trailpair following the ridge Lovely views and clearing
As we got higher, the sun was out and so were our sunglasses. Virgin snow Shadows
The snow was about knee-deep (less in the trees) - it got deeper the higher we hiked - hip deep in spots - but mostly about 12 - 18" of soft, powdery snow - a lot less than we thought we might hit. Alas, as we climbed higher - avoiding the road entirely, except to cross it about 3 or 4 times - the clouds started to move in. So much for the 11:00 a.m. clearing predicted by the National Weather Service! In fact, the fog/clouds closed in around us quickly and the wind picked up some. As we continued on, we caught a glimpse of the tower about 3/4 of a mile away, but that would be the last we would see of it until we were just about a football field away . . . Barry and Gus reaching the tower Koleen in open meadow before the fower
By now, the wind had picked up considerably and we all agreed it was time to put on a few more layers and try to find some wind-break. It had only taken us two hours to reach the tower - much quicker than any of us had made it to the tower before. This new route was pretty cool. Conveniently, there was a little concrete equipment bunker that provided a great shelter.Lunch spot out of the wind
Someone decided to check the views from the rooftop.Up on the roof . . . .
For some reason, Opus has this need to stand on roofs! After a lovely lunch break - and with the arrival of many more snowmobiles -Snowmobile gathering at the tower
we decided it was a good time to head down. We almost lost our tracks back, because some snowmobilers decided to follow OUR tracks up (glad we could break trail for them ) but our trek back was quick.Bob and Kolleen heading down
It had started snowing on our way back and as we were approaching the parking lot we had a mix of snow, clouds, sun and blue skies . . .Where's the Snowbow?
We were back to the cars before 1:00 p.m. - less than 4 hours, including our lunch break! The GPS said 5 3/4 miles and probably about 2200' of gain or so. We left a good trench - so, enjoy! Nice to have TrailPair back with us, even though little Luis had to miss this trip. Another good reason for not doing Web today, as we passed that area on our way home, we were pelted by a rain/snow mix. Probably about the time we would have been summiting Web! Good choice to continue on to Keechelus Ridge! Fun "morning" romp!!
Four-paw buddy lets me tag along!
Four-paw buddy lets me tag along!
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TrailPair Member
Joined: 17 Apr 2005 Posts: 1699 | TRs | Pics
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This is definitely the easiest and prettiest route we have taken on Keechelus Ridge!Suzanne, Barry and David Sun break Flocked trees. Suzanne and Barry, tower in sight Bob and David nearing the tower View from the lunch pit.
This thing called work is interfering with my play
This thing called work is interfering with my play
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Yet Member
Joined: 23 Apr 2005 Posts: 2634 | TRs | Pics Location: Happily Ever After |
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Yet
Member
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Sun Mar 29, 2009 5:11 pm
Re: Whiz Kids Breeze Up Keechelus 03-29-09
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Sadie's Driver Sadie's Driver
Joined: 24 Apr 2006 Posts: 1763 | TRs | Pics Location: Welcome Pass |
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Sadie's Driver
Sadie's Driver
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Sun Mar 29, 2009 5:13 pm
Re: Whiz Kids Breeze Up Keechelus 03-29-09
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Four-paw buddy lets me tag along!
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Middle E no more moustache
Joined: 10 Feb 2008 Posts: 432 | TRs | Pics Location: Seattle, WA |
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Middle E
no more moustache
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Sun Mar 29, 2009 5:23 pm
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This was definitely the fastest route I've ever taken up Keechelus, and with the best weather. Of course, it's also the only time....
A few pictures to add.
Suzanne on the way up Snowy trees A little view Fresh powder Kolleen near the tower
pithy yet insightful signature
pithy yet insightful signature
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Opus Wannabe
Joined: 04 Mar 2006 Posts: 3700 | TRs | Pics Location: The big rock candy mountain |
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Opus
Wannabe
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Sun Mar 29, 2009 5:24 pm
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I showed up at the park and ride not knowing where the heck we were going. A nice surprise! Best route I've taken up Keechelus ridge, thanks for the idea Trailpair! The weather was much better than I'd expected too. Some really dramatic clouds and sunbreaks on top.
All the photos here.
GPS tracks Keechelus Lake Foggy sun Frosted trees Sunbreak There's the tower Ridge top Clouds Kolleen Down in the hole Gus bags a snowmobile Gus & Suzanne We ride in a toy car
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Schmidt Alti-Dude 4th class poster
Joined: 06 Jul 2007 Posts: 1361 | TRs | Pics Location: Looking for Adventure 201! |
Looks like a fun time. The weather was even better in the Teanaway.
BTW: Microwave Hill is not the Keechelus Ridge summit - it's a half mile to the SW. To bad you didn't keep going, you could of used our tracks from yesterday.
Anything stated by me in no way reflects the attitudes or opinions of my wife
Anything stated by me in no way reflects the attitudes or opinions of my wife
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Middle E no more moustache
Joined: 10 Feb 2008 Posts: 432 | TRs | Pics Location: Seattle, WA |
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Middle E
no more moustache
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Sun Mar 29, 2009 6:36 pm
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Schmidt Alti-Dude wrote: | To bad you didn't keep going, you could of used our tracks from yesterday. |
You mean that armada of snowmobile tracks? You guys need to get back out on foot again!
pithy yet insightful signature
pithy yet insightful signature
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puzzlr Mid Fork Rocks
Joined: 13 Feb 2007 Posts: 7220 | TRs | Pics Location: Stuck in the middle |
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puzzlr
Mid Fork Rocks
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Sun Mar 29, 2009 9:21 pm
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Opus wrote: | Clouds |
Nice shot. I can feel the cold wind.
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Schmidt Alti-Dude 4th class poster
Joined: 06 Jul 2007 Posts: 1361 | TRs | Pics Location: Looking for Adventure 201! |
Anything stated by me in no way reflects the attitudes or opinions of my wife
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Jasper Cascade Snow Pig
Joined: 13 Apr 2008 Posts: 350 | TRs | Pics Location: Burrowing in the snow |
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Jasper
Cascade Snow Pig
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Mon Mar 30, 2009 5:31 pm
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Quote: | Nice to have TrailPair back with us, even though little Luis had to miss this trip. |
Imagine if he had been there. Both him and Gusto working together might have caught one of those snowmobiles.
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