Let it Snow!

Outside Seattle it is beginning to look a lot like Winter.  Craving a little Winter Wonderland, this past Sunday we made our way North to Snow Lake.  When we arrived, the snowflakes were falling at Alpental Summit and a blanket of snow covered everything within sight.  We strapped on gators and spikes, then headed out for a blustery walk.  Less than a mile in, we found ourselves thigh deep in the fluff, but we didn't let it go to waste.  We made snow angels, built a few snowmen, and had a vicious snowball fight.  There were no fatalities, despite it being touch and go for a while.  ;)   This was by far the best hike yet!  

Ice, Ice Baby

It was a gorgeous day Saturday, so the mister and I took what is most likely our last chance to hike and headed to Silver Peak.  It is one of the tallest peaks in the Snoqualmie Valley and boasts spectacular views of Mt. Rainier, Adams, and Stuart.  After an hour long ride from Seattle, we bundled up and made our way along the icy trail.  

 

 

Mount Si

The Sun made an appearance on Saturday and we made the most of this beautiful day with a long awaited hike to Mt. Si.  This mountain is located in the Western region of the Cascades in North Bend.  The trail is about 9 miles out and back with a 4,000 ft. elevation gain.  It is a strenuous hike, but the view at the top is gorgeous! Most people stop at the summit basin; however, the best views are at the top of the class 3 scramble.  So, after a quick break with our feathery friends, we continued on to the Haystack to take in the views of the Puget Sound Basin and Snoqualmie Valley. 

 

 

 

Dreams of Muir

Who knew that the path to paradise would be paved?  

 This past weekend, we headed to Paradise to hike the trail leading to Camp Muir; summit base camp.  Mt. Rainier is about a 2 1/2 hour drive from Seattle.  On the way to Paradise we passed several waterfalls and beautiful rushing rivers.  When we finally made it to Paradise the fog had dissipated and a sliver of blue sky allowed for a hope of beautiful weather.  However, we underestimated this temperamental lady and the promise of clear skies quickly faded from blue to gray in the form snow and blankets of fog within minutes.  As we hiked vertically, we slipped on ice, spotted our first mountain goat, and practiced our rest step.  We made it as far as Panorama Point before turning back, but along the way we encountered spectacular sights!