Pyramid on Not quite found

After a night at the Lindernenhütte, a walk to Eggberge and a great view of Vierwäldersee.

Walking from Lindernenhütte

Walking up the hill from Spilauersee

Looking back at Rossstock

A trailrunner making his way towards Lindernenhütte

Walking toward Schön Chulm

Tough walking through the mud

Lone caow on the hill

View from Schön Chulm

Trail down the hill

Trail leading down the hill

Wildflowers

Walking down the hill

Lupine

Winding trail through the woods

White-white-red

Blueberries!

Voew of Vierwäldersee from Eggberge

Stoos SZ - Lidernenhütte

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid

Distance

9 miles

Elevation

3950 feet

Moving Time

3h30m

External

An easy walking tour from Stoos SZ to the Lindernenhütte SAC.

Grosser Mythen dominating the horizon

Farm road leading into the woods

Looking back to Grosser Mythen while walking along the edge of the farm

Headed toward the higher mountains

View to the waterfall eroding away the ridge

Rocky path

Pass through the notch on the hill

Stairway of logs leading to Lindernenhütte

More steep, rocky walking ahead

Walking through the rocks and shrubs

Early glimpse of Lindernenhütte

View through the hut window

Rossstöckli

Path to Rossstock

Pink flowers

Rocky path to Rossstock

Deep purple flower

Looking across the valley

Clouds over Rossstock

Alpine flowers along the path

Beautiful alpine path back to the hut with the lakes in the distance

Green meadows

Rossstöckli

Early season snow covered the highest mountains

Lindernenhütte

Sunset

Seealpsee

Sun, 28 May 2023 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid

Distance

6 miles

Elevation

1220 feet

Moving Time

2h15m

Nutrition

Plenty of food & drink options at the lake

Logistics

Take the train to Wasserauen and avoid the avalanche of cars

External

A short, but steep, hike to an alpine lake and wildflower-filled meadow.

Looking across the lake

Looking across the lake from our table at Berggasthaus Forelle.

Cows grazing

Waterfall and yellow flowers

Wildflowers

Insect in flight

Valley floor walk

Alpine cow

Shepherd hut

Hiking through the woods

Waterfall in the woods

Zermatt - Sunnegga - Tufteren

Sat, 14 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid

Distance

10 miles

Elevation

2370 feet

Moving Time

3h15m

External

A long winter walk from Zermatt to Tufteren. We thought the trail looped from Tufteren back to Zermatt but were told it was a summer only trail. Concerned we were running low on light, we walked back to Sunnegga and returned to Zermatt.

The Matterhorn over Zermatt

Trail through the woods

Matterhorn through the trees

Open field

Walk along the cliff edge

Sunlight through the trees

Snowy trail

Snow-covered trail through the village

Matterhorn over the village

Sledge resting against the building

The small village of Tufteren

Schwartzsee - Stafelalp - Zermatt

Fri, 13 Jan 2023 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid

Distance

6 miles

Elevation

395 feet

Moving Time

2h0m

External

Descending through the snow under the Matterhorn.

Outside Zum See

Zum See

Beautiful light through woods

Looking down the valley

Matterhorn

Old stone building

Snow!

Glissading

Winter wonderland

Stümpferweg

Sun, 30 Oct 2022 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid

Distance

15 miles

Elevation

2170 feet

Moving Time

1h30m

External

I was unprepared for how many forest service roads were riding distance from the house. I knew of the big mountains in the south but the farms and woods closer to Zürich were unexpected. The beautiful fall colors on a cool, quiet day made for the most enjoyable ride.

I started the ride climbing Albispass seeking some new roads. It was my first time riding toward Albishaus, I usually descend toward Albispass with the restaurant to my back. I sought a path through the woods but failed to find, failing again on the side of the road when I was told the road didn’t go through (not sure about this). In any event, I continued on.

Schwyz - Klausenpass - Glarus

Sun, 11 Sep 2022 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid

Distance

51 miles

Elevation

5730 feet

Moving Time

4h15m

Logistics

Straight forward route from one major train station to another

External

The Klausen Monument is a annual ride over Klausen Pass with your choice of direction. I chose to ride from the west, the harder side, as it promised to have fewer cyclists than coming from the east.

Riding along the lake from Schwyz

Looking across Lake Lucerne

Buchenegg - Gottschalkenberg - Schönenberg

Sun, 28 Aug 2022 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid

Distance

58 miles

Elevation

5565 feet

Moving Time

4h30m

Nutrition

There are a few restaurants at the passes

External

The ride started with an accidental participation in a hill climb on the Buchenegg complete with spectators cheering for me. The highlight of the route was the climb to Gottschalkenberg via Mangeli.

Backside of Buchenegg

Trail through the woods

Recently harvested field

Gottschalkenberg Pass

Looking down onto Ägerisee

Rachel Lake

Sat, 09 Oct 2021 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid

Distance

8 miles

Elevation

2265 feet

Moving Time

3h0m

Nutrition

Water is plentiful along the trail

Logistics

Ample parking after a short drive on an easy gravel road

External

The vast majority of my hiking takes place in, and around, Olympic National Park because it doesn’t require a ferry ride. Wanting to see some fall colors, I reviewed some of the popular hikes in the I90 corridor on the WTA site and Rachel Lake was a frequent addition and the photos suggested wonderful fall scenery would be on display.

Marin County All-Road

Fri, 01 Oct 2021 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
The main climb was up the fire road on Mt Tam, otherwise a bit punchy

Distance

66 miles

Elevation

5215 feet

Moving Time

5h0m

Nutrition

Food options in the towns, water fountains at some of the parks

External

I had long wanted to ride in Marin, birthplace of mountain biking and constant location of adventures in my Strava feed.

I had the good fortune of having two friends ready to ride, so I tackled two separate routes, with two separate riding companions with very different profiles.

Royal Basin

Sat, 25 Sep 2021 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
Steep climbing to, and steep descent from, Royal Lake, a little more modest to Royal Basin

Distance

16 miles

Elevation

3930 feet

Moving Time

4h45m

Nutrition

Stream crossings every five minutes, water is plentiful

External

With the changing fall colors, I wanted to return to Royal Basin to take in the scene. Last time we ran as much as we hiked but this time I went alone and spent a significant amount of time photographing the colors and the abundant small waterfalls and rushing creeks.

Tubal Cain

Sun, 05 Sep 2021 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
The route is generally an out-and-back pyramid, with a second out-and-back pyramid if visiting the crash site

Distance

13 miles

Elevation

2590 feet

Moving Time

3h45m

Nutrition

Water is available easily along the trail, especially before clearing the trees

Logistics

The road to the TH is in great condition

External

Road

The road to the trailhead, FS 2870, received a much needed road grading (in fact, the grader was still operating and let us pass) so the road is in wonderful condition – any vehicle can make it easily.

Tunnel Creek

Sat, 28 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
The trail is relatively modest until crossing the bridge over Tunnel Creek, then it turns up

Distance

9 miles

Elevation

2635 feet

Moving Time

3h15m

Nutrition

Water is plentiful along the trail from Tunnel Creek; the lake water looked less inviting

External

The hike to Tunnel Creek showed up in my Strava feed, and with no firm plans for the weekend, off I went. The views looked nice and the hike wasn’t an elevation or distance killer so it wouldn’t consume the entire day. I also really love hiking along creeks & rivers to photograph baby waterfalls.

Grand & Badger Valley

Sun, 15 Aug 2021 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
An inverted pyramid, starting at the high point, descending, then uphill to the trailhead

Distance

10 miles

Elevation

3095 feet

Moving Time

3h30m

Nutrition

The trail along Lillian Ridge is dry, otherwise water is plentiful, especially by the lakes and in Badger Valley

Logistics

The trailhead is at the end of Obstruction Point Road which is reached after driving up Hurricane Ridge road

External

The smoke cleared so R. and I decided to return to Hurricane Ridge for a full-day loop of the Grand and Badger Valleys. I had last been to the area in 2013 so I was looking forward to a return trip and seeing some trails I had never covered or didn’t see because eight years ago we covered the trail in a complete fog whiteout.

Marmot Pass

Sun, 11 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid

Distance

11 miles

Elevation

3500 feet

Moving Time

3h30m

Nutrition

Streams are plentiful until Camp Mystery after which it’s dry

External

The upper meadow at Marmot Pass is one of my favorite locations in the Olympics having hiked there a few times. The WTA reports suggested the wildflowers were in bloom – perfect!

A good sign for the day ahead, Seattle and the Cascades in beautiful morning light.

Sunrise on the drive to the mountains

Seattle in the early morning

Icicle Creek Road

Thu, 08 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid

Distance

34 miles

Elevation

2250 feet

Moving Time

2h15m

Nutrition

Water available at the turnaround point

Logistics

Easily accessible from Leavenworth; rough asphalt followed by gravel

External

Strava | Komoot | Ride with GPS | Photos

I rarely ride out-and-backs and when I do it’s usually a hill climb. The ride up Icicle Creek Road isn’t as impressive as Hurricane Ridge or Mt Baker but it offered an exceptional experience on an early morning ride.

Things I saw:

Gorgeous early morning light
A hawk fly across the road in front of me carrying a fat mouse
A beautiful buck walk across the road and up a hill (see photo; one of the few times I wished for a longer lens than my 16mm)

Lovely easy ride to end our short stay in the mountains.

Eightmile Lake

Tue, 06 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
Buggy, muddy trail

Distance

7 miles

Elevation

1600 feet

Moving Time

3h0m

Nutrition

Plenty of water available along the trail.

Logistics

Straight forward hike from the trailhead; the bugs were fierce.

External

Trail

We go to the trail early (7:30 am) mid-week to plenty of parking. The trail to Eightmile Lake starts through a burn from 2017 resulting in little cover from the sun and a lot of shrubby new growth. Fortunately the views along the trail are plentiful from the start and the grade wasn’t too bad for our mixed-skills hiking party.

Tyler Peak & Maynard Burn Loop

Sat, 26 Jun 2021 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid

Distance

7 miles

Elevation

3400 feet

Moving Time

2h45m

Nutrition

There is a good stream about a mile (and 1000 feet of elevation!) from the trailhead, otherwise it’s dry to the top

Logistics

The access to the trailhead via FS 2870 is rough with frequent, car-eating potholes but otherwise easy to navigate

External

With record breaking heat descending on the PNW, I sought relief in the mountains and took advantage of the snow melt to photograph wildflowers. I really enjoyed this loop and until recently it was not on my radar; nor others apparently because very few trip reports were available at the WTA.

Mt Townsend via Little Quilcene Trail

Fri, 18 Jun 2021 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid

Distance

7 miles

Elevation

2400 feet

Moving Time

2h15m

Nutrition

Bring water & food, there’s only one small stream near the trailhead

Logistics

Park at the trailhead, road to the trailhead is enjoyable mountain driving

External

A nice day hike to Mt Townsend from a new-to-me trailhead. The wildflowers are out in force and the trail is in great shape without a single blow down.

Having not used this trailhead before, but having been to Mt Townsend multiple times, I was curious to try the new approach. The drive to the trail head was fun and covered many of the same roads I ride on the bike.

Colchuck Lake

Mon, 07 Jun 2021 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid

Distance

8 miles

Elevation

2600 feet

Moving Time

3h15m

External

With the snow mostly gone, I opted for the classic hike to this gorgeous alpine lake.

The weather was variable at the start and I was undecided on shorts or pants, trail runners or boots. I opted for pants and boots and was not disappointed in the decision as the trail had a lot of water and near the lake it started to flurry.

Gran Fondo Leavenworth

Sun, 06 Jun 2021 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
Two major gravel climbs with a flat section on Highway 2 along the Columbia River

Distance

81 miles

Elevation

7520 feet

Moving Time

6h0m

Nutrition

Food and water provided as part of the event

External

I had signed up to ride GFL in 2020 but, like most events, it was cancelled so I eagerly awaited an opportunity to ride it when it was next scheduled.

I woke up to ideal weather conditions for a long ride through the mountains: slightly overcast and not too warm. The morning light was quite pleasant.

Mountain Home

Sat, 05 Jun 2021 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid

Distance

20 miles

Elevation

2100 feet

Moving Time

1h30m

Nutrition

Bring what you need

External

Though this ride is short it packs a lot of awesome into its 20 miles. There are wildflowers, terrific gravel, great views, and abandon railroads. I was delighted with this loop.

Little Reds

Mountain Home Road curving through the hills

Lupine

Wildflowers along the descent back to Leavenworth

Abandoned railroad tracks

Gated tunnel

Valley view

Fields of flowers

Bon Jon Pass

Sun, 16 May 2021 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid

Distance

50 miles

Elevation

5700 feet

Moving Time

4h0m

Nutrition

Bring what you need, some water sources along the way

External

I’ve climbed Bon Jon before and with the great weather decided to have a crack at it again.

Peakaboo views

Climbing the asphalt to Bon Jon Pass

A clearing for lunch

Primitive road

Snow Creek Road

Leland Flyover

Sun, 18 Apr 2021 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid

Distance

67 miles

Elevation

5400 feet

Moving Time

4h45m

Nutrition

Limited food & drink options

Logistics

Park at the middle school in Quilcene

External

Unseasonably warm weather encouraged a discovery ride through the Olympic National Forest and through the trails of Miller Peninsula State Park. I had a large gap on my personal heatmap for the Miller Peninsula and sought to fill it with this ride.

The ride started from Quilcene and heads northwest into the foothills of the Olympic Mountains with a quick ride by of Lord’s Lake. The gravel roads leading to Bear Mountain (near the high point of the ride) are in great shape and were easy riding.

Lower Big Quilcene & Notch Pass

Sun, 28 Feb 2021 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid

Distance

13 miles

Elevation

2500 feet

Moving Time

3h15m

Nutrition

Bring what you need to eat, water is plentiful

Logistics

Park at the Lower Big Quilcene Trail #833 trailhead and go clockwise stitching together trails & forest service roads

External

We wanted a bit of an adventure run without a lot of running through snow and this route was nearly perfect.

We started our run at the Lower Big Quilcene Trail #833 trail head which was easily accessible with no snow at all on the road. The plan was to run to the junction of Lower Big Quilcene and Notch Pass trails, possibly run a bit down the LBQ trail to add a few miles, and then continue on a loop using the Notch Pass trail and a few forest service roads.

Capital Forest

Fri, 27 Nov 2020 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
Two primary climbs, C-Line being the more challenging

Distance

45 miles

Elevation

5700 feet

Moving Time

4h15m

Nutrition

No services, bring what you need for food & water

Logistics

The Safeway seems to be the most popular starting point, several rides originate from it’s lot.

External

I rode the Capital Forest once before, for the 2019 Cascadia Super Gravel and I got lit up. I was riding my 29er mountain bike on which I didn’t have many miles and I had almost no idea what I was doing racing on gravel. I remember the climbs being steep, the descents fast, and the overall environment pretty incredible.

Mountain Loop Highway & Barlow Pass

Sun, 01 Nov 2020 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
Lots of flat sections, huge variety of terrain, and punchy gravel climbing.

Distance

98 miles

Elevation

4300 feet

Moving Time

6h15m

Nutrition

Food available in Darrington, numerous water access points in the national forest

Logistics

Parked at Granite Falls HS

External

I finally had time and cooperative weather to ride this classic PNW loop through the mountains. The Seattle Randonneurs have a 200K brevet route but since I was riding on my own I decided to shorted it by ~30 miles and avoid some of the less scenic city riding.

Mt Townsend & Silver Lakes

Sun, 04 Oct 2020 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
Two steep climbs, two even steeper descents.

Distance

17 miles

Elevation

5700 feet

Moving Time

5h0m

Nutrition

The trail from the parking lot to the MT summit is pretty dry. Silver Creek runs alongside the Silver Lakes Way Trail and provides plenty of water.

Logistics

A short section on FR 2870 otherwise all ’trail'.

External

Mt Townsend is an extremely popular hike in the Olympics appearing in all the popular day hike books. This route built on the standard hike by adding an extension to make a loop via a short jaunt on FR 2870 and the Silver Lakes Way Trail.

Royal Basin

Sun, 20 Sep 2020 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
Steep climbing to, and steep descent from, Royal Lake, a little more modest to Royal Basin

Distance

17 miles

Elevation

4000 feet

Moving Time

4h15m

Nutrition

Stream crossings every five minutes, water is plentiful

External

I hadn’t been to Royal Lake since a backpacking trip in July 2011. At the time we were unable to make it to the upper basin because of a late melting snow pack. I was excited to explore the upper basin on this trip as over the last few years I had become pretty familiar with the region from prior rides and hikes.

Paradise

Wed, 26 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
Ridden anticlockwise, a long descent on a tree covered road followed by a fully exposed epic climb

Distance

61 miles

Elevation

5600 feet

Moving Time

4h15m

Logistics

Park at Longmire

External

Strava | Ride with GPS | Relive | Photos

I started this ride by entering through the Park entrance at Longmire and parking in the day use lot behind the lodge.

Bridge over the Nisqually River at Longmire

The ride starts by riding behind the lodge and over the Nisqually River via a pretty cool bridge. This will lead through a campground and eventually onto NF-012, a modest gravel road, before hooking with NF-52, Skate Creek Road. It’s a relatively long descent of 16 miles into Packwood. The majority of the ride is along Skate Creek. There’s not much in the way of scenery or anything particularly unique about this portion of the ride.

Babyshoe Pass

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
Two main climbs and a long descent

Distance

83 miles

Elevation

6800 feet

Moving Time

6h0m

Nutrition

All food must be brought with you, some creeks for filtering water

Logistics

Parked at the closed (COVID-19) ranger station in Randle

External

Strava | Ride with GPS | Relive | Photos

I’d been planning this ride for months ever since reading about the climb to Babyshoe Pass in BQ. The climb from Highway 12 to the summit at the intersection with FS 2150 has an average grade of 6% and a max grade of 20% with soft, loose gravel and rough washboard making it tough to keep traction and rhythm.

Washington Pass

Sun, 09 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
Straightforward gravel climb to NF 2464 with a fast descent on near-perfect pavement (10 road miles, 26 gravel)

Distance

36 miles

Elevation

3800 feet

Moving Time

2h45m

Nutrition

All food must be brought with you, some creeks for filtering water

Logistics

Parking available in the gravel lot across from the Hamma Hamma Oyster Company (probably their overflow parking)

External

The tour ridden clockwise ascends gravel and descends a near-perfect paved road.

Don’t question the hard right hand turn onto FS 2464 and the baseball-sized rocks at the entrance, it’s a wonderful road with almost no traffic, scenic viewpoints, baby rock slides, and wildflowers.

Riding the Hurricane to Obstruction Point

Sun, 02 Aug 2020 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
An HC climb to Obstruction Point Road, then punchy gravel, followed by a long descent (39 road miles, 16 gravel)

Distance

55 miles

Elevation

8000 feet

Moving Time

4h15m

Nutrition

Food available during the event up to the visitors center, after that you’re on your own

External

This year’s edition of Ride the Hurricane had two great changes from last year:

starting at sea level (official)
extending the ride to Obstruction Point Road (unofficial)

I’ve driven Obstruction Point Road before but had never ridden it so when the ride was announced I was excited to extend the ride with a great gravel addition. PJAMM ranks the climb #2 on their list of the Top 10 Most Scenic rides in the US but they didn’t continue to Obstruction Point Road.

Dosewallips Lunchpacking

Fri, 03 Jul 2020 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
Lots of hike-a-bike, some of it requiring ropes

Distance

14 miles

Elevation

1700 feet

Moving Time

2h0m

Nutrition

No services, water available for filtering from the river

Logistics

Parking available at the trailhead but it might crowded, we parked a short distance away and rode in.

External

An abandoned forest service road, a beautiful river, great views, and a mac & cheese lunch. Pretty perfect ride with Kid.

All loaded up for a day trip

The Kid and I decided on a short trip down the Dosewallips River Trail as a trial run for a future bikepacking trip. The now-abandoned car-camping campground would be our destination so loaded up with a stove, food, and water filter, we were on our way.

Bon Jon Pass

Sat, 23 May 2020 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
Lots of climbing, starting with an HC climb to the Pass

Distance

50 miles

Elevation

5800 feet

Moving Time

3h45m

Logistics

Parked at the closed (COVID-19) ranger station in Quilcene

External

Wet pavement on Forest Road 27 at the start of the climb

Rock slide, good thing we’re on bikes

Fog settling in the trees

Intersection of Forest Road 28 and Forest Road 2840

Finished up back in Quilcene.

A Winter Attempt on Bon Jon Pass

Sat, 22 Feb 2020 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
Ice, snow, and cold all greeted us on this ride

Distance

30 miles

Elevation

3500 feet

Moving Time

2h30m

Nutrition

Bring everything you need, no services at all

Logistics

Parked at the (closed) ranger station in Quilcene

External

We’d been waiting anxiously for the weather to be favorable for an attempt at cycling to Bon Jon Pass for a few weeks. Kiel Reijnen’s posted a ride on Strava going over the pass so we decided it was high time we gave it a try.

Levi’s Gran Fondo

Sat, 05 Oct 2019 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
Two major climbs with a few punchers thrown in for good measure

Distance

102 miles

Elevation

9530 feet

Moving Time

6h0m

Logistics

Fully supported ride with frequent and wonderful sag stops

External

A great day of riding with E. among the forests, over the hills, and along the coast. A really enjoyable ride and one I would definitely repeat.

Nervous anticipation

Rolling descents to the ocean

Our bikes

A gorgeous seascape

Kicking ass on the climb

Lake Angeles & Klahhne Ridge

Fri, 16 Aug 2019 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
Very steep climbing all the way to the lake

Distance

11 miles

Elevation

4500 feet

Moving Time

4h0m

Logistics

Park at the Lake Angeles trail head right before entering the Park

External

My fifth trip up to Lake Angeles, but first time in the summer, did not disappoint. A beautiful lake view rewards this steep Olympics climb. Unlike my typical winter foray we left the lake behind us and climbed the Klahhane Ridge Trail to an exceptional lunch spot with clear views to Mt Olympus and its glaciers.

Ride the Hurricane

Sun, 04 Aug 2019 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
An HC climb to the visitor center

Distance

49 miles

Elevation

5500 feet

Moving Time

3h30m

Nutrition

Food & drink available on the route and at the top

External

I had been wanting to ride this event for a long time but the timing never worked out. Finally this year the dates aligned and I was able to ride it.

From the registration area I rode down to the water and as far out on Ediz Hook Road as I was allowed, then turned around and started the long climb to the visitor center. A true sea-to-sky climb, excited to ride it again.

Slab Camp & Deer Ridge

Sat, 15 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
Three Forks Ascent is brutal otherwise it's a rolling profile

Distance

18 miles

Elevation

5000 feet

Moving Time

5h30m

External

Hiked the loop clockwise through the woods and down to the impressive, fast moving Gray Wolf. The trail is in great shape and the numerous river and creek crossings were made uneventful by the bridges. There were a few blow downs but nothing requiring significant effort.

After a long walk through the woods, protected all the while from the sun, it was on to the Three Forks ascent. It’s a tough climb with numerous switchbacks and steady elevation gain. The effort culminates in wonderful mountain views, sunshine, and wildflowers at Deer Ridge. From the ridge it’s an equally steady (read: brutal) descent all the way back to the trailhead.

Deadfall & Mount Zion

Sat, 15 Dec 2018 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid

Distance

7 miles

Elevation

3095 feet

Moving Time

2h30m

External

Mount Zion summit

The trail is as advertised, steep and with little in the way of scenery. This is the kind of hike where the effort is the reward, especially on a socked in winter day. It was also eerily quiet as I was the only person around until I arrived within a quarter mile of the trailhead on my return. All said however it was what I wanted, a short hike with lots of effort close to home.

High Divide & Seven Lakes Basin

Sat, 20 Oct 2018 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
Steep climb to the basin, then a sharp downhill

Distance

18 miles

Elevation

4500 feet

Moving Time

5h45m

Logistics

Parking available at Sol Duc

External

Deer Lake

Boardwalk

Huckleberries in full fall colors

The many lakes of Seven Lakes Basin

Beautiful red foilage

Heart Lake

Stream for filtered water

Coral mushrooms

Route

Navaho Pass & Navaho Peak

Sat, 13 Oct 2018 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid
Steep climbing to, and steep descent from, Navaho Pass, even steeper to Navaho Peak

Distance

14 miles

Elevation

4200 feet

Moving Time

4h0m

External

Enjoyable hike in perfect fall conditions. Started hiking around 10am with air temperature just above freezing so dress appropriately. The trail is in good condition but lacks any signage so be sure to follow the directions, particularly bearing to the right at the T. Arrived at the ridge around noon.

Marmot Pass

Sun, 02 Sep 2018 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid

Distance

13 miles

Elevation

4750 feet

Moving Time

4h45m

External

Wonderful day hike to Marmot Pass and to Buckhorn Mountain. The weather was nearly perfect, all in all a great day. The trail leading to Marmot Pass was in great shape and the meadow at the junction with the Tubal Cain trail never disappoints. I stopped for short lunch overlooking the meadow and mountains before summiting Buckhorn Mountain.

The trail to Buckhorn Mountain was a little loose and I was happy to have poles for the descent. The sky was clear enough to see both Rainier and Baker. On the way down two deer walked across the path in front of me with the mountains making an ideal backdrop.

Trift

Mon, 02 Jul 2018 00:00:00 +0000

By the Numbers

Pyramid

Distance

5 miles

Elevation

2000 feet

Moving Time

2h0m

Nutrition

Huts along the way

Logistics

Easy access to the trailhead from within the town of Zermatt

External