Sunday, January 22, 2006
Wallace Falls State Park
Bella and I went for a quick hike before the NFC Championship game to Wallace Falls. I'm not a huge waterfall fan, but this was a nice January hike with a decent elevation gain. We took the Woody Trail all the way to the Upper Falls, enjoying each waterfall overlook and some valley views. Bella and I smoked this trail (5.5-6 miles in about 2 and a quarter hours (with some additional down time enjoying the views).
Distance: 5.5-6 miles
Elevation Gain: 1700 feet
Weather: Cloudy, cool
Dog Rating: Why do we have to stop at every waterfall overlook?
Read more!
Sunday, January 08, 2006
Kendall Peaks Lake Road, Snoqualmie Pass, WA
Susan finally cajoled us to go snowshoeing in the Cascades for the first time since we got Bella over three years ago! We (Susan, Sara, Bella, and I) chose to start up the Kendall Peaks Lake Road knowing that we would not reach the lakes. We parked at the Gold Creek Snopark which was about as busy as a mall parking lot and got all gussied up. The road climbs the ridge on the west side of Gold Creek, eventually switchbacking up about 2000'. We made it to a switchback with a view of the valley, as well as the ski area before heading down. On our way down we took a side-trip along a relatively flat spur road with more solitude and views of the ski area. It took us just under 3 hours to complete the 4.25 mile trip. Bella really enjoyed running around in the snow, marking it often, and eating it often. I was teased mercilessly about my "pink hat" that I had bought on sale at REI the day before. The label said it was red!
Bella begs for Susan's Cheese SandwichRead more!
Sunday, January 01, 2006
Lime Kiln Trail, Granite Falls, WA
I had the urge to start the New Year with a hike, so Sara, Bella, and I hiked the same Lime Kiln Trail that Bella and I had enjoyed several weeks ago. The forecast was for increasing rain and wind in the afternoon, so it was a bit ominous at the start of the hike when the winds picked up and blew down a few branches around us. However, the weather actually improved through the hike and we even saw blue sky! Again we found solitude on this trail, seeing only a trail runner at the tail end of our hike. I've found more solitude on this trail than any other I've been on in Washington! The trail was in excellent condition despite the copious rain we've received, which has raised the water levels of the Stilly a few feet.
Distance: About 7 miles roundtrip, but goes fast
Vertical Gain: About 400', most within the first 2 miles.
Weather: Overcast, 40s.
Dog Rating: I tried to pull Sara down on the slippery log bridge! What fun!
Read more!
