Distance Roundtrip: 5.4 RT
Elevation Gain: 2300 ft.
Highest Elevation: 5327 ft.
Location: North Cascades: Mtn Loop Highway
Lettering Medium: Watercolor
I’ve been wanting to visit Mt. Pilchuck for a few weeks now so when my friend Alex invited me hiking I suggested we try this out. We started out on the trail around 10am and quickly put on our yaktraks. I don’t think they’re necessary but they made us feel a little better as the snow got more dense. I actually think our poles came in handy more. The first section through the woods is mostly melted snow/mud then once you emerge from the woods into the open it is packed snow. On the day we went (4/26), the trail was really packed down and super easy to follow. The snow surrounding the trail is still powdery and fresh – we were a little surprised since we thought winter was over? Such a confusing year!
We continued to climb, going in and out of the clouds wondering when we’d reach the top. I’m not sure if you can ever see the lookout tower on your way up, but if you can we either missed it or the clouds were blocking it. We finally reached the top and began the awkward scramble over semi snow covered rocks to the bottom of the ladder. Atop the tower it was pretty windy so after taking in the views we quickly climbed inside to join fellow cold hikers. Everyone was huddled inside eating their pb&js wishing the shutters were open to enjoy the view. I think this was probably the quickest I’ve sat at the top. Even with all our layers on (and yes we were properly prepared) the sweat on our backs was chilling enough to encourage us to keep on hiking so down the mountain we went.
Mt. Pilchuck I will be back for you when it’s sunny and warm!
