Mailbox Peak Via Old Trail and New Trail - Seattle, WA

May 21, 2017

Mailbox Peak hike is one of the most popular hikes in the Greater Seattle area. Since the new trail was built, it seems to have gained more popularity, perhaps, shoulder to shoulder with another popular local hike Mt. Si.

Mailbox Peak is a challenging hike, however. The trails are steep gaining 4,000' in 2.5 miles via Old Trail or 4,000' in 5 miles via New Trail. Either way, it's a tough hike; and yet, the reward you see from the top is worth the effort - sweeping views in all directions!...many notable peaks of N. Cascades and Olympic ranges, Puget Sound cities/lakes and beyond.

And yes, indeed, there is a mailbox on the top!....waiting for a mail delivery from you! ;)
For this trip report:
http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-rep...

 

  Video by Lifeisamt

Mt. Baker Snowshoe - Artist Point & Huntoon Point - Mt. Baker, WA

May 9, 2017

Spring snowshoeing at Mt. Baker! The road is snow/ice free to the parking lot at the end of the road, The road to Heather Meadow and Artist Point is still closed. The snow is still deep and plenty in the mountain. It'll be a while to melt away. I hiked up to Artist Point and also took a side trip to Huntoon Point. The views were spectacular with some clouds forming over the mountains.....Mt. Shaksun, Mt. Baker, Table Mountain, Glacier Peak, Baker Lake and US/Canadian border peaks. I almost had the entire mountain just for myself until I saw a couple of campers and skiers. This is one of my favorite hikes whenever I do for all seasons, snow white mountains and landscape in winter/spring or carpets of wildflowers and meadows in summer/fall.

For this trip report:

http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/trip-rep...

 Video by Lifeisamt

Mt. Rose - Olympic Peninsula, WA

April 7, 2016

It was 74 degrees when I arrived at the trailhead parking lot around 1:30pm. The weather was like an early summer. Traihead is easy to find and located right across Lake Cushman on FR 24. Trailhead has a small parking lot for about a dozen or so cars. Privy is available.

In short, this hike is quite a feat as the WTA's description details....one of the steepest trails in the Olympics. I'd say it's somewhat like a combination of Mt. Si and Mailbox Peak(old trail)....it gains 3,500 ft vertical in 2.9 miles based on the trail information at the trailhead. However, it's worth the effort to see the spectacular views from the top.

The trail is in good condition with no significant obstacles until you hit the snow covered route which begins somewhere around the last 3/4 mile to the summit via left loop route after ascending about 1/4 mile from Horsecamp. The snow covered route was mostly packed with boot tracks, except the slope going up to the summit because there were some soft spots where I ended up post-holing a few feet down. (See the pic.) Also, part of the snow covered route can become sketchy when snow starts to melt and boot tracks disappear. Therefore, it is a good protocol to pay attention to where you are heading, particularly when you descend as the boot tracks you followed up may disappear if it's warm weather by the time you follow back....you don't want to get lost! There are some trail markers of bright orange color tapes tied around some trees and branches which I found helpful as well as following the boot tracks in and out.

The last few hundred feet ascending the steep face to the summit was a little tricky today because the weather was warm and the deep snow got soft and slushy/slippery. I had micro spikes in my pack just in case, but I didn't have to use them after all. However, hiking poles became certainly useful. And, water proof boots are highly recommended to tackle the snow covered route to the summit.

All the sweat and effort were rewarded with the breathtaking vistas from the top in the crystal clear sky and gorgeous weather....Lake Cushman, Mt. Rainier, the Olympic range and Puget Sound. I had the summit and all that view for myself! By the way, the summit is very small....looks like it's only about 6 sq.ft.? and just enough for a few people!!!

I descended back the same route instead of continuing the loop because of the snow condition and I didn't want to take a risk of getting lost!!!

Mt. Rose is a great hike with spectacular views....with a little(?) effort and determination to challenge the steep trail. After the hike, I took a side trip down to Lake Cushman from the trailhead.....wow, it was gorgeous!

Snoquera Falls - Mt. Rainier, WA

What a beautiful day it was! It almost felt like an early summer and hiking in a T-shirt was just comfortable. I started late arriving at the trailhead/Camp Sheppard at 2:30pm and returned to my car by 4:30pm.

This is an easy hike and the waterfalls are stunning. I also recommend to combine to hike Moss Lake loop trail which is located in the basin of the trailhead. As the name says, Moss Lake loop trail offers mossy forest in a short distance. You can combine this hike either at the beginning or the end of Snoquera Falls hike.

Follow the signs of Snoquera Falls to the falls. There are several blow downs along the trail, but they are all passable. The trail climbs gradual and consistent, so it gets your heart rate going.

At the waterfalls, there is a side trail going up to the bottom of the falls. It's steep, but a short hike up for a closer view of the waterfalls. To get to the side trail, you have to cross the falls rapid creek, but it is not deep....however, boots are highly recommended, or your feet will likely get wet.

Take in the spectacular view of Snoquera Falls. It's a perfect short hike with a little effort and determination. Families with kids would also enjoy this hike. The trailhead is conveniently located at Camp Sheppard right by HWY 410.

  

Church Mountain - Mt. Baker/WA

You notice a towering peak coming into sight between forest lines along HWY 542 when you drive toward Mt. Baker from the ranger station in Glacier. The peak is Church Mountain. Ever since I noticed the majestic appearance of the peak en route to Mt. Baker, climbing Church was one of my bucket lists. I finally made it yesterday. 

Church Mountain is an awesome hike....."no pain, no gain" is well fitting. Although the hike may be a bit strenuous (3,750 ft elevation gain in 4.2 miles), it's worth the effort for the reward you see on the way and at the summit. The trail is well maintained. After 3 miles of hard climbing in numerous steep switchbacks through the deep forest of tall tree growth, the trail comes into an alpine meadow.....be ready to get awestruck by breathtaking views of Church's towering wall and landscape.

As you traverse the meadow, enjoy picturesque Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan juxtaposing on the skyline. Once you cross Deer Horn Creek, the trail begins to climb up again leaving the alpine basin. The view of Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan gets even better as you gain more elevation into 6,000 ft.

Continue the journey up to the old lookout site on the rocky peak at 6,100 ft. Use caution, however, while climbing up to the rocky top. Wow...the summit offers spectacular 360 panorama in all directions. To be frank, it's one of the best panoramas I've ever seen. Stand on between heaven and earth, and take in all the glory of God's creation and spectacular landscape from Church....Mt. Baker, Mt. Shuksan, North Cascades, British Columbia, Kidney Lakes, San Juans, and the vicinity - Skyline Divide, Table Mountain, Ptarmigan Ridge and much more as far as you can see.

It was quite intriguing to watch a hiker I met at the summit flying a drone for aerial filming. Obviously, recreational activities like flying a drone is allowed if not in designated wilderness. In fact, the drone's aerial footage of Church gives a different perspective of the hike and amazing views of the mountain and landscape. Here is the link to watch the drone's aerial views of Church Mountain filmed yesterday by the hiker "North Cascades Aerial". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g1_GpWmQu8s&feature=youtu.be

Church Mountain....yes, indeed, TWO THUMBS UP! Hallelujah!!

8.5 miles RT

Gain: 3750 ft

Highest Point: 6100 ft

 

 

 

 

 

Lake Ann/Mt Shuksan - Mt. Baker, WA

No dinosaur sightings! And yet, the hike of Lake Ann trail somewhat offers a rendering of Jurassic Park/The Lord of the Rings as described in WTA's description last week. 

Lake Ann was one of the hikes on my bucket list ever since I started hiking Mt. Baker area and encountered the alpine beauty of Mt. Shuksan. I am glad I finally made it to Lake Ann. 

The trailhead is located at a paved parking lot just below Artist Point and the tail is well maintained all the way to the lake. The hike starts descending through a forest down to an alpine meadow. The trail traverses a creek and there is a sign which says Swift Creek. Enjoy a spectacular view of Mt. Shuksan as you hike through the meadow and boulder fields.

Leaving the basin, the trail starts to ascend to the saddle up toward Mt. Shuksan. The route is a little rocky, but well maintained. As you ascend, look back to capture grand vistas of Artist Point, Table Mountain and Mt. Baker. Keep ascending the trail along talus rocks with the meadow and boulder basin behind, you finally reach the top of the saddle where Lake Ann comes into sight in just a short distance. The lake is quietly tucked in behind the saddle. 

Hike down the trail to a T where the trail splits. To your right is to Lake Ann, or go left to lead you on to Chimney Fisher climbing route. Before you decide which way you want to go, take in the breathtaking views of Mount Shuksan, Fisher Chimney, Curtiss Glacier and Lake Ann. Facing the massive rock with glaciers and water falls streaking down, with a little imagination's help you may feel like standing in the landscape of Jurassic Park or The Lord of the Rings. 

I continued to trek along the Chimney Fisher climbing route up to where scrambling begins. Eventually, you enter North Cascades National Park. As you continue the climbing route, Baker Lake can be seen in distance to your right, and soon the route begins to gain elevation in switchbacks toward Lower Curtiss Glacier. The up-close view of Curtiss Glacier is stunning in just a couple hundred feet away. As you descend the route to return to Lake Ann, Mt. Baker and Lake Ann come into sight. 

Ripe berries were sweet and perfect to quench my thirst along the hike.

Mailbox Peak Old Trail, WA

Mailbox Peak has become my annual warmup hike for the last few years since my first trip up there four years ago. Last year I took the old trail up and the new trail down (easy, but a long hike!) as I was curious about the new trail soon after it was built. This time I took the old trail up and down.

The trail is in good condition and no major issue overall, except a few blow downs and partially muddy sections, but nothing to worry about. The weather was overcast when I left trailhead, but passing around 4,000 ft the sun started to break in through clouds and the rest of the journey to the summit was under a beautiful blue sky and even warm. It was such a treat to feel the warm sunshine after the hard work and almost surreal looking over the sea of clouds down below from the peak. 

Take in the view. The reward is a fantastic 360 panorama...Mt. Si, Bandera, Granite and other nearby peaks. On a clear day, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Baker and other Cascades high peaks juxtapose on the skyline. Wildflowers are not ready yet. I wonder if the drought due to low snow pack may affect them. 

A couple of reminders if you take the old trail:
- Hiking poles are highly recommended. (you will regret if you don't use them....specially while you descend.) The hike is what really "steep" trail is.
- Pay attention to follow the trail markers (diamonds) on trees to find your way to the summit and back to trailhead. Those short-cutting foot prints, if you follow them instead, can be misleading, and you may end up going up or down the wrong way. 

Also, note that the road to trailhead is closed on weekdays due to road work, but it's open on weekends.

5.2 miles RT

4,000 ft gain