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beaudaddy Coast To Cascades
Joined: 25 Feb 2010 Posts: 401 | TRs | Pics Location: Tulalip, WA |
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beaudaddy
Coast To Cascades
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Wed May 12, 2010 3:28 pm
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On the evening of 5/11/10 I hiked to the top of Stimson Hill. I left the gated logging road at about 6:30pm thinking it wouldn't take very long to get to the summit. Being my first time up to this highpoint, I wasn't sure what to expect. Per google earth, I knew that it was roughly 3.5 miles to the summit and about 2,600' of elevation gain. So I knew it would be a decent incline, and thats exactly what it was. The logging road goes up and then it just keeps going up.
ROAD WALK WITH VIEWS SUNSET OVER MT ERIE(left) AND MT CONSTITUTION(right)
This would be a good hike for conditioning and training. Most of the hike is through forested areas with lots of ferns and typical undergrowth. You can look back in some spots and start to see views of the Puget Sound as you rise quickly in elevation. The hike gains elevation (2,600’) the whole way up to the summit.
WATER, MOSS AND BIG ROCK Large Leaved Avens Herb-Robert
There's a whole USGS quad named after this highpoint. Stimson Hill rises to 2,892’ with an impressive prominence of 1,852’. In fact, Stimson makes it into Washington States top 200 peaks by prominence.
It took me about 1.5 hours to get to the top. This was stoping here and there to look at the flowers and what not.
YELLOW BLEEDING HEART LOOKING TIRED LADY FERN OF THE FOREST
Once you reach the true summit the views are great looking down on Arlington and out into the Puget Sound. When I reached the summit it was a bit clouded and getting late, which limited some of the views. You can hike from here to other highpoints to see amazing views of Three Fingers, Whitehorse, Big Deer Peak and other peaks in the local area. Some of the viewpoints will require some bushwhacking through Alders, Cascara and Willows.
PINK VIEWS VIEW TOWARD THE SALT WATER
One of the highpoints had some pretty cool looking rocks that you could climb in the timber. However there weren't any views from this spot.
ROCK FACE AT HIGHPOINT
The sunset views were... well, pretty dang sexy.
SEXY SUNSET BALL OF FIRE SUNSET OVER MT ERIE AND SUGARLOAF GREAT BALL OF FIRE TOWARD THE ISLANDS PURPLE AND PINK
Coming back down you look out over the town of Arlington. There sure was more lights then I would have ever of thought. Kind of sweet to look over the town from this vantage point.
ARLINGTON AT NIGHT ARLINGTON LIGHTS
Round Trip is approximately 7 Miles. If you search around for viewpoints like I did, mileage could be added to this figure. Total elevation gain to the Summit is 2,600’.
TOPO OF THE ROUTE TO STIMSON 1 label STIMSON AND WASHINGTON SEEN FROM BALD MOUNTAIN
Getting There
Take Highway 9 north out of Arlington to Bryant. Turn east (Right) on Grandview Road for 4.6 miles, then north (left) on Cedarvale Road. A little over a mile you will come to a right corner in the road and will pass over rock creek drainage, immediately to your left you will see a yellow gate. Park here, but make sure not to block the gate.
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Highwalker's Daughter Member
Joined: 12 Aug 2006 Posts: 1575 | TRs | Pics Location: Bothell, WA |
I discovered this one via an old Footloose 3 book and went up solo one morning 2-3 months ago. It was lovely - even the family of ATV people weren't around me enough to disturb the peace for long. I'll have to get some people together for a sunset trip up there sometime - looks gorgeous. I assume it's an active road weekdays? Probably we wouldn't want to get there before 5?
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Hikingqueen Member
Joined: 12 Nov 2007 Posts: 2946 | TRs | Pics
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I agree, very sexy indeed! Great images.. I love sunrises...
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beaudaddy Coast To Cascades
Joined: 25 Feb 2010 Posts: 401 | TRs | Pics Location: Tulalip, WA |
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beaudaddy
Coast To Cascades
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Sat May 15, 2010 9:21 am
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Highwalker's Daughter- I did notice some ATV tracks up there, but I don't think they can get around the lower gate. There are a couple homes in the area that might have a back trail access... It really is a good evening hike for sunsets.
Hikingqueen- I love sunrises too!!! How about sunsets, you like those?
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