Little Si

Litte Si Summit.

If you are short on time or trying to get back into shape for hiking season, look no further than Little Si.  I ended up having the night off of work and didn't have too much time to get out. My friend,  Jordan, recently returned from teaching in Korea and is ready to get back at it. So what was a better hike the Mount Si's little sister, Little Si?

We got to the trailhead about 2pm and the weather was holding out. The trail is pretty easy and is great for families, doggies, and beginners. Although, the trail can get a little confusing when you get close to the rock walls, but continue forward past the Doug Hansen Memorial bench. Don't worry, you are going the right way. There is only a slight elevation gain before the summit, it can get a little muddy if there has been recent rain.

I expected this trail to be much more busy for a Friday afternoon. We only saw a handful of people and had the summit to ourselves. The sun was fading fast, because rain clouds were rolling in. We got lucky, and took off. What we didn't know that this was the kick off to some actual snow hitting the Cascades after a very snow-free winter. I can't really complain because I have been hiking every week since New Years.

All and all, go to Little Si. If you are like me it's nice to just get out and not stay inside for too long. Especially, now that our days are getting longer. What's your excuse? You get off work at 5pm and you still have a good 3-4 hours of sunlight! Soak it all in, do everything you can. Life is too short, so live it.

Until the next adventure.

Mount Pilchuck

Mount Pilchuck is a Western Washington essential, it is a rite of passage for the numerous adventures off of Mountain Loop Highway in Mount Baker National Forest. It is what Mount Si is to North Bend. Taverns, grocery stores, and much more carries the name Pilchuck. What makes this old fire lookout so awesome? Well, it isn't just one thing that makes it what it is. Perhaps, the thing that makes it so popular, is the allure.

The allure got me. I found myself at the trailhead, more excited than I expected. Finally, the much talked about Mount Pilchuck was in my sights.  The weather called for rain, and as we continued up to the summit, there was a small hope that the clouds were clearing. 

Washington Trail Association rates this hike as intermediate, I found it pretty enjoyable. Keep in mind, I am frolicking through mountains two to three days a week, and stay pretty active at the gym, so this hike was pretty easy for me.  My group did make one stop about halfway up for a snack break on one of the numerous boulders that litter the trail. 

The scenery of this hike is breath-taking. The epic views of water and surrounding mountains give you the push to keep on going to the summit. There is also left over bolts and wires from a previous structure. Snow makes an appearance in the last half mile, this is when my heart began ache. The wind had picked up and the clouds began to sock us in. We paused before the last little scramble before the Lookout.

Listen, if you don't feel comfortable doing these things, you probably should not be on the mountain. A woman, probably about my age freaked out on the way down from the scramble. Yelling at my friend that she was just gonna have to wait. She was shaking and freaking out, the wind was howling and the snow and ice made it slick. Trust me, it is better to build up to these things, than put others at risk. You should probably wear the proper attire too, fashion boots and hoodies usually are not acceptable.

Clouds seeming to lift from the mountains in the distance on Mount Pilchuck.

Finally, after waiting for her to fumble and yell down, it was our turn to go up. The scramble is brief, the boulders are huge, so you just have to watch your step so you don't fall into an empty space, the snow and ice make you a little extra cautious.  After the scramble, you get to a little metal ladder to the lookout. IT WAS WINDY, and there was no view. There were about 10 other people in the lookout snapping photos and braving the wind out of the deck.

Although, we could not see the glorious view, it was still a pretty amazing hike. 5,327ft up, and I had a huge smile on my face. There was the history of the Lookout inside and random scribblings from fellow hikers. I felt it weird that some local stoners had gone through and scribbled "4/20" and other weed references around the lookout. But I did make mine, yet another tribute to Liz Daley, lost in an avalanche in September. 

#LiveLikeLiz Everyday

 My group was lucky, at no point was the lookout crowded and we were able to hang out for about 45 minutes. Enjoying our snacks and of course my celebratory Rainier. Everyone was very friendly, and happy to get out of the wind. I couldn't believe how windy it was, and again was reminded that Mother Nature is never to be messed with.

As we headed down, tons more people were headed up. The way down was easy and not too bad on the knees. The weather changes fast in the Mount Baker area, so please do not come unprepared, especially if you are with young children. I can't wait to return to Pilchuck in the late Spring when I can enjoy the view and maybe even stay up in the lookout.

Get out there. Stay wild.

Until the next adventure.

Enchanting Teneriffe Falls

Teneriffe Falls (Kamikaze Falls)

North Bend Area

It was an overcast rainy day in Tacoma, and I knew I had to get out. Although, cuddling up on the couch and having a Netflix marathon sounded relaxing. I try to never let weather get the best of me and my adventures. The rain never hurt anyone, but snow, that's another story for another time.  My hiking partner and I wanted a place that was beautiful, but wouldn't be to long. So, we decided on Teneriffe Falls in the North Bend area. When we first arrived we discussed summiting Teneriffe Mountain which would have only added a little over 2 miles to our trip.

The hike starts off very easy, because you are on an old logging road, it's nice and wide. Great for families and bigger groups alike.  As you get closer to the lower falls you will get to a serious of switchbacks that open you up to the views of North Bend. Although, it was cloudy it was still an enjoyable view. The trail to the lower falls is still maintained very well, but if you want to go up to the upper falls be prepared to work for it. Especially, when it's raining, it could be easy to lose your footing. You can't be afraid to get dirt under your nails. I've never been a huge waterfall fan, but these falls were pretty amazing, not sure why TLC sings about not chasing them.  When we got to the upper falls, the sky decided to open up and start pouring. The trail to Teneriffe summit would not have been easy in the pouring rain, this trail is not maintained and was already getting extremely muddy. I did watch a fellow hiker take a tumble on the way down. I will be returning to summit in the near future.

I did want to make a note to those "newbies" to hiking. It isn't a good idea to come unprepared, you never know when weather is going to change. Hiking in shorts and cotton on a day that could turn could be a very bad idea. No one wants to be the person who froze to death on a trail as easy as Teneriffe. Always be prepared with WATER, snacks, jackets, and a small emergency kit. I just use a small REI Flashpack for my day hikes, and trust me it has been there when I needed it. Mother Nature has no rules, and there has been plenty of times that I was thankful for my extra jacket and my water.  Another question that has been going through my mind is why do people hike in fashion boots? This cannot be comfortable.  Moral of the story, always be prepared.

Until the next adventure.

Road to Zion

Road to Zion:

Mount Zion Hike

March 8, 2015

Sunday done right, cheers to another summit. The snow covered Mount Townsend sits in the background.

This hike has been on my to-do list since January. I try to get to the Olympics at least once a week, and knew this hike was going to be worth it. It was one of the busier hikes that I have seen in the Olympics, but I know why. The hike is not to challenging and there are several different approaches to the summit.  My health was not the best when doing this hike, but I still make it to the true summit, but this was pretty lack luster. I did not bother to take any photos of the true summit, it is surrounded by trees with peak-a-boo views. If you continue down the trail-towards the Deadfall Trail, you can find a better lookout of Mount Townsend and other surrounding mountains. Apparently, there was once a Fire Lookout in this location. 

The hike is a pretty one, with lots of views through out the hike. Little viewpoints keep the hiker going and the hike is not to challenging. I believe it took us 4 hours round trip, because of our numerous stops to take in the scenery and our 30-40 minute break at the lookout. How can you not enjoy such beauty?

One of my partners in crime, Ana Bailey, at one of the various viewpoints on Mount Zion.

We have been spoiled this winter in Washington, with days that reach the mid-60s and barely any snow on the trails. Life has been good.  

Until the next adventure.

Enjoying a Rainier  after a wonderful hike.

Rattlesnake Ledge: Tourist Hike Day

Rattlesnake Ledge:

Tourist Hike Day

Welp, had to do the tourist hike on a warm Friday before work with a limited amount of time. It was a gorgeous and warm day. I arrived at the trailhead around 9am and there was already a ton of people there. You can tell this trail sees an abundance of people. The trail is pretty easy if you are in shape, I did hear some girls saying that they really struggled on the trail.  You could do this trail in tennis shoes on a nice day, and with the sun out---don't forget your sunscreen! I think this may be the most forgotten thing by most hikers in the early spring months.

The view from the ledge is pretty and enjoying a nice cold beer is always a good idea (if you are old enough of course).  As always, it never ceases to amazing me how careless people are on the top of overlooks--no really paying attention because they want to get their perfect yoga pose and "selfie" picture. People have died from falls from the ledge, so use caution.  I believe we got to the top in about 45 minutes, but hung out at the overlook for about 30 minutes to bask in the sun. By the time we headed down, the trail was starting to get a flood of people.

I would only go here during the week, I couldn't imagine the circus it turns into on the weekends.  It would not be my idea of a fun place to be.  But I would tell everyone they need to do this hike, kind of like a right of passage as a Washington hiker. It is  fun,and easy, so why not get out there and enjoy the view and burn some calories? 

Until the next adventure.

Illusive Marmot Pass

Marmot Pass, sign.

I have not written about Marmot Pass yet, perhaps out of shame. It is a hike I looked so forward to doing. I had heard the rumors of it being a beautiful place and holding breathtaking views at the pass. So, Sunday, March 1st was the day to hike Marmot Pass. Not much went my way, we got a late start and the trail was very icy. About a mile and a half away from the pass, the ice got worst and the sun was disappearing. With these conditions, we knew we had to turn around.

The hike was never too challenging, but I could see how it could be pretty challenging to others who don't go out as much as I do. It is a captivating forest with beauty all around. The sound of the river makes the hike even more peaceful. It was very enjoyable. 

I'm completely bummed I did not make it to the pass, but I know I will be back shortly. But this time, not only to conquer the pass, but go the extra few miles and conquer Buckhorn Mountain.

Until the next adventure.

Liz & Mailbox Peak

Mailbox Peak, For Liz.

“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.”

Liz Daley and I were never close friends. Most of our interactions were telling jokes to one another at work and making plans to perhaps rock climb together one day. From the day I met Liz, I was in awe of her passion for life and her drive to follow her dreams. She was one of those people that you really wanted to be in the presence of. She always had her big smile on her face and her laugh was unforgettable.  Her confidence was something I wished I could have. I watched Liz's dreams come true via social media and was incredible proud that she was able to do everything that she ever wanted to do. But in September, my heart broke when I heard about her tragic death. Liz died in an avalanche doing what she loved. 

Here is the thing, Liz has never really left any of us, she was a powerhouse. Liz left a piece of herself with every single person she encountered.  Although, her journey on Earth has ended, she still impacts so many people. 

For so many years, I have wanted to get into climbing, but never thought I could do it.  I had enough of my excuses on why I could not do it, and decided I could. Liz has been a huge motivator for me. She was someone who never let anyone's opinion sway her or change how she felt about her dreams. At the end of the day, she believed in herself and that was good enough.  I decided January 1, 2015, that I needed to take control of my life and follow my dreams.  Every step of the way, I have found inspiration in who Liz was. Whenever I feel like giving up on myself or thinking that I may not be able to do it, I remember how strong of an individual she was. This drives me. 

Sure, my climbing resume is still in the process, and I do not have any grand accomplishments yet. But I know I can do it, and I hope that I can just be half the person she was. Every single day that I get to go out and live my adventure, I am grateful and positive for my experience. 

After reading about Mailbox Peak, I decided that I wanted to pay tribute to the incredible human being that Liz Daley was. It is only a small tribute to a larger than life person, but I felt that I owed this to her. For the inspiration that she continues to give me. It took the old trail up, because I knew that the challenge would make this moment even better. Now, a little piece of Liz can be seen at the top and I know a lot of people who have been impacted by her will appreciate it. 

My plan is to continue to climb, with Adams, St Helens, Shasta, and Rainier in my near future--it would not seem right not to dedicate my triumphs to Ms. Liz Daley.  You can bet that when I reach the top of Mount Rainier, I will be doing it with my "Live Like Liz" sticker on my helmet and I will think about how much she has taught me, even in death.

Liz, you were one of the raddest chicks I ever met. Thank you for teaching me that life truly is beautiful and that every moment should be savored with reverence. I'll see you on the other side, until the next great adventure.

https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/rkp7/the-live-like-liz-daley-fund?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=fb_share_share&utm_campaign=dashboard_overview_T1&fb_action_ids=10101234690941510&fb_action_types=og.shares