[puzzlr]

Mt Washington was a good call for the day after Christmas -- a big storm was due late in the day and some family members were along. I don't usually repeat, but it's been 7 years since I climbed this peak in 2009 with a TNAB group and I had forgotten the nice features of this trail, especially in winter, with the icicle walls, Peeing Rock, Owl Point, and many views from the trail. We brought snowshoes but the trail was so packed down we never used them. On the upper sections the trench was up to 2' deep so thanks to the many trailbreakers that preceded us. But I'm afraid the storm that came through has probably buried the track by now. It was pretty cold the last 500' and on top, but not bad otherwise. A little over 8 miles RT, 3200+ gain. 5:15 hours with boots on a packed trail. Microspikes were helpful, especially down.

Group starting out at the trailhead. Richard, Joe, Lori, Susie, LeAnn, Bryan

Icicle Wall

Icicle Wall

Trees heavy with fresh snow

The big open area on the first switchback after crossing the stream

Mt Washington summit

Snoqualmie valley panorama

Mailbox Peak

Descending the summit ridge

Change Peak

The trail briefly descends the north ridge

Walking out with helpful microspikes. The trail was packed enough for boots.

Crossing the stream

Owl hike spot wall

Peeing rock

Climbing cave

[RichP]

A fun day out in the calm before the storm. My first time up Mt Washington and surely not the last. A good winter option with easy access. We saw evidence of some large chunks of ice that had fallen from the rock face along the trail so admire the icicles from a safe distance when it warms up.

The unmarked trail to Mt Washington on the Iron Horse Trail.

Bouldering cave.

Snowshoeing with summit in view.

Weather station on Mt Washington.

Puget Sound lowlands.

Gray Jays awaiting handouts.

[nordique]

Thanks for the trip report! Many old timers consider Mt Washington to be better in winter than other seasons--when that trail is far too full of loose rocks. Better done in snow--like Teneriffe Falls.

[Snowdog]

I did this a few days before Christmas & had very similar conditions. I agree with Nordique that the footing is better in winter. All those rocks covered up!

[yukon222]

[Redwic]

I still need to go there.

[Justus S.]

Nice, I haven't been up yet. Maybe I should try before the snow melts.

[PaleoCook]

Just went up yesterday 12/30 and probably going back up tomorrow 1/1 early early if the weather doesn't look terrible. It was a great snowshoe. I wrote up a WTA Trip Report and will write another one here tonight (PaleoYogi on wta). Truly gorgeous.