Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Cascade Pass and Sahale Arm

I have been itching to hike in the North Cascades this summer, but was deterred by a thunder storm in July. Thankfully, it was rescheduled and am happy to report I hiked to the Sahale Arm last Sunday.
Cascade Pass/Sahale Arm - 12 miles roundtrip / 4000 ft. elevation gain.
From Marblemount, we drove 23 miles on alternating paved and dirt road taking us about 40 minutes to get to the trail head. For a first timer, the view from the parking lot feels intimidating.




We arrived at the trail head at 7:20 and hit the trail by 7:40am.

The trail starts out with a gradual incline with numerous switchbacks. We counted 35.

After the switchbacks, it's a nice sideways hike to Cascade Pass.


 There are two signs at Cascade Pass. 1. Stehekin and 2. Toilet
We didn't use it, but can imagine the view must be great!


After Cascade Pass, the next 35 minutes were the steepest to the Sahale Arm.

 But worth it!


Here's Doubtful Lake. We didn't venture down, but continued up to the Sahale Arm.

Pictured above is the Sahale Glacier. We found a spot on the Arm out of the way of the wind and ate our snacks and smiled at the views.


Highly recommend this hike!

Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Kendall Katwalk

I took a vacation day to hike up to Kendall Katwalk up in Snoqualmie Pass. It was a longer 12 mile hike, but the elevation gain of 2600 feet was pretty gradual. We even saw a couple running the trail.

Here's where we started on the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Friday was a smoking hot day in Seattle around 93 degrees, but for us it was a cool 76 degree up in the mountains.


Great view of Mt. Rainier and Snoqualmie Pass.

 Up, up, up on rocky trail
 Hey there, take my picture please!



Found a nice little perch to eat our snacks and take in the views. Another good hike in the books!

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Crystal Mountain Hike

This will mark my 6th hike of the summer, woot! Off we went to Crystal Mt. to hike the Bullion Basin Trail to the Pacific Crest Trail to Silver Creek Trail. I like that this hike wasn't an in and out but a loop like the Rampart Ridge Trail.
The worst part of this hike was the trail getting out of the parking lot. Will get your heart thumping in 2 seconds flat.


 Barren ski trails
Met up with these riders on the Pacific Crest Trail. Makes me want to ride a horse!
 View of Mt. Adams
 Peek of Mt. Rainier
 PCT Badge
 Snack time on the rocks. I love taking in the view.


 I have 3 more big hikes planned for the summer and last month I started riding my bicycle 15 miles a day about 2 to 3 times a week. Living well, living healthy, feeling good!




Tuesday, August 2, 2016

Happy 13th Birthday Skylar!

I will never forget the day you were born. One of the best days ever. I can't believe it's been 13 years. So much love for this teenager!
Snapped a pic of my sis and nephew

and the card I made him.