Beautiful bluebird day for a hike to catch up with a friend. Microspikes needed towards the top.
Counter clockwise circumnavigation of Mercer Island from Seward Park.
Warm and pleasant evening for a hike. A herd of Elk enlivened the trip.
What are those strange mounds in Wilkeson? New finds of bygone times.
A great soul cleansing North Cascades day (albeit partially cloudy ;). The ~5500’ gain workout had some much appreciated frosting in the form of afternoon clearing w/stunning views of the surrounding area. [Lead photo by Nina Crampton]
Slippery from Mile 2 on; microspikes and poles required
Longmire gate opened at 10 a.m. due to recent snow. We started from Narada Falls with about 8" of overnight snow, and found more as we got higher. Trail apparently not broken since previous Sunday. Nine on our group and five others breaking trail. No tracks seen on the High Lakes Trail. We followed the orange wanded route without difficulty to Reflection Lake. Owing to the tyranny of the Longmire Gate, we did not proceed further, but headed back.
There's still deep, consolidated snow on the trail above 2000'. The trail's passable but the snow makes hiking much more difficult and adds an hour+ to the round-trip time. Sturdy boots and high gaiters recommended.
A great day snowshoeing with bonus views of Mt Rainier
Mostly Winter day with hints of Spring, spent touring in the Crystal Mountain backcountry.
From Sycamore Access TH on SE Crystal Creek Circle, the trail immediately climbs through switchbacks for a great workout. Very (very) limited parking at TH.
Our first official Mountaineer packraft trip down this fun river section. At 1,560 cfs measred at the Sauk Near Sauk gauge, this is a fun river flow.
A warm and pleasant March evening for a hike in the woods.
Three days of spring ice climbing in the Rockies.
An amazingly calm and sunny March day and a beautiful, mostly pristine coastline made this north Hood Canal paddle very special. The Olympic Mountains provided a breathtaking backdrop for most of the day.
An old favorite a little traverse from Sweet peak to Florence with just enough snow cover.
Amazing climbing early in the season without anyone around. Students got lots of practice climbing on real rock for a change.
Circumnavigation of Skagit and Hope islands starting and ending in Cornet Bay in Deception Pass State Park.
Fun spring ski tour on the Muir Snowfield.
Fun bluebird day on the snow stewarding the Nordic Pass Trail!