We Found the Snow!

Mount Pilchuck

When your friend sends a text and asks, do you want to go hiking on Friday? The answer is always yes. Mount Pilchuck, a 5.2 mile, 2,122 elevation gain hike had been on our list for a variety of reasons, primarily because of the 360 degree views from the lookout tower. About half way up the trail we ran into some snow fall and fog which unfortunately created foggy, windy and icy conditions at the top, and no vista view.

I decided to opt out of the ascent to the look out, not my speed to traverse rocks, snow and possible ice - especially when the view wasn't much different than the one I currently had. Though we were socked in, it was a nice hike to welcome in the snowy hiking season.

Christmas Tree Shopping

Unbeknownst to us, National Forests offer permits to cut your own tree for the holiday season (November - December). With Ted's brothers anticipated visit, we had planned to head north to scout out our tree on an old railroad trail and abandoned town. When those plans fell through, we redirected our tree search south to an area called Enumclaw, just north of Mount Rainier. Our Seattle friends had rented a cabin for the weekend and had previously invited us to tree shop and stay with them. We decided to head down for the day and it could not have been more picturesque with a light snowfall throughout the day! Glad we decided to head south to capture the snow versus the rain in the north!

First tree scouting location!

Scouting from the road!

Found the Tree!

Heather Lake

Heather Lake is on the same road in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest area that Mount Pilchuck is on. The roads pot holes were impressive about a month ago and they where bigger slushy monsters this time! Slow & steady and we didn't get stuck was a win.

A light snow fall accompanied us the entire day which made for a very magical & festive inspired hike. We commented that we should have packed a thermos with Tom & Jerry mix to enjoy at the lake! The 4.5 mile trail was a good mix of running water, stream crossings, slush and eventually snow pack, but the temperature was comfortable and there's nothing like a walk in the woods with a light dusting of snow flakes.