Issy Steckel
The transition from winter to spring doesn’t happen overnight. This April, some days brought heavy snow to Eastern Washington, and Blewett, Stevens and Snoqualmie passes, while others were warm enough for t-shirts. Brendan Leonard of Semi-Rad put it best in this spring pie chart. Here’s to Mountaineers making the most of spring's indecisive weather and unreliable forecasts.
Explore some of our favorite trip reports from the past month, showcasing both winter and spring nature scenes. We're highlighting four hikes, three scrambles, one sea kayak, one sail, and a special conservation trip to visit WTA’s gear library.
Alpine Scramble - Norse Peak – 4/3
“An early spring snow scramble to a Rainier 100 peak that beat all expectations - thanks the variety of interesting terrain/conditions, better than anticipated weather, and an awesome group of scramblers!”
Enjoy this highly-detailed and photo-heavy trip report from a gorgeous spring scramble. Assistant Leader Sarah McClellan writes, “Some of my favorite mountain days are the ones that turned out unexpectedly more awesome than I had imagined.” We agree.
CHS 1 Hike - Grand Ridge Park: Coal Mine Loop – 4/5
“Trail conditions were very good except for a few small blowdowns, most of which we moved out the way ourselves. There were a few very minor muddy spots, not bad at all considering the storm that had passed through the night before. This being a midweek trip, we saw only two other people along the way.”
CHS hikes are underway! Hike Leader David Bradley’s trip report reminds us about various spring hiking trail conditions. Don’t forget when you cross a puddle or muddy section on a trail, the best LNT practice is to walk through it if possible. Walking around puddles can quickly widen a trail and make additional work for trail crews.
Day Hike - Mount Rose – 4/8
“Descending the soft, slick snow was a bit tricky. By the time we got back into the trees the sun peaked out here and there with snow flurries that eventually turned to light drizzle and into partial sunshine at the cars. Turned out to be more adventurous than usual on Ol' Rosie!”
Mount Rose is a strenuous, 6.4 mile round-trip day hike with 3,500 ft in elevation gain. Add inclement weather and the day becomes even more eventful, as was the case in this trip report.
Sea Kayak - Maury Island Circumnavigation – 4/16
“We experienced a light squall at the northernmost part of Quartermaster Harbor and then upon return we had hail (!!) as we took our boats out at Point Defiance Boat Launch.”
In this trip report, follow along on a sea kayak trip circumnavigating Maury Island.
Day Hike - Big Creek Loop – 4/16
“Felt more like a day in mid December, not mid April!”
Five Olympia CHS students and two leaders braved a blustery day at Big Creek. They crossed icy bridges, admired wildflowers that bloomed before the cold front, and completed over 5 miles and almost 1,000 feet of elevation. Find out more in the full write-up. Way to go!
Winter Scramble - Blowdown, Dixie Peak – 4/16
“A convenient venue to refresh conditioning, navigation, and snow skills. The ridge just east of Blowdown’s summit is interesting with a dramatic drop-off on the north side, much less so to the south (the side we traveled ;). A bit further along this ridge (to the east) is a great place to practice “snowshoeing over talus with a minimal snow cover.”
Read this trip report to hear about a great, bad weather conditioner!
Sail - Flash, Chinook Landing Marina – 4/16
“Amazing sail on Flash, a J-43, in heavy squall with hail and then sun!”
Did you know that The Mountaineers offers sailing courses and activities? Despite cold weather, significant wind chill, and hail, this group had a blast sailing in Commencement Bay. Find out more in the trip report.
Winter Scramble - Zorro Point – 4/17
“The snow is now sloppy as we head down. We take care crossing the open slopes by going in small groups.”
Nothing better than early spring scrambling! Read more about a beautiful, snow-filled day on the Granite Creek Trail in this trip report, featuring memorable views of Mailbox, Revolution, Thompson Point, Russian Butte, and the lakes below.
Day Hike - Snoquera Falls Loop – 4/17
“All smiles on this beautiful hike with bluebird skies and fresh snowfall. After several weeks of cold, rainy and snowy weather in the PNW, we all were extra giddy hiking to Snoquera Falls under blue, blue skies with very light wind.”
Sounds like a wonderful day exploring the trail to Snoquera Falls. This trip report offers many great reminders for spring adventures, including when to use microspikes, how to be mindful of your foot placement on unstable terrain, what to do when you come across fallen trees on trail, and more.
Outdoor alliAnce Washington and Rep. Strickland - Gear Library Tour
"We even fitted the congresswoman for a backpacking pack!"
The Mountaineers conservation staff and Outdoor Alliance Washington partners recently met with Rep. Marilyn Strickland at Washington Trails Association’s South Puget Sound Gear library in Puyallup. Read on to hear why advancing equitable outdoor access in Pierce County is personal for the congresswoman, and how OA Washington is advocating for federal trail funding to improve recreation on our public lands. Read the full trip report and learn why gear libraries are so important for increasing for increasing access to the outdoors.
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