Heads up: The Deadhorse Creek road to Skyline Divide has been closed due to flood damage at mile 3.1, Concrete barriers went up this week. Repairs will take considerable construction, so the budget and priorities will determine when--if?--it reopens.

Yeah, I know it's a bit early to hike this trail but I have gear to test. I made it to within 5 miles of the trailhead in my tiny Nissan Versa (yolo) and parked just in front of a massive downed hemlock blocking the road. I hiked toward the trailhead and made it three miles in 8 in. to 1.5 ft. snow before my boots became soggy wet paper bags. Displaying uncharacteristic maturity I listened to my toes, turned around, and headed back to the car. I'll return as soon as I can upgrade my boots and socks and add gaiters to the mix - because who wants to wait until late summer. 

This is a magical place. Lots of wildlife activity with us humans confined (mostly) to lower elevation hikes. 

Winter is here! First sunny weekend after an infinity of rain, so of course we headed out though we’re aware conditions could be…interesting. The road was pot holed but otherwise ok until the last mile which was icy with a thin layer of snow. We were the first ones in the lot but noted someone had opted to park lower and avoid the snow and ice. The trail itself was frozen ground which became a sprinkling of snow, increasing to huge wind drifts on the ridge. The wind was NASTY today. We ended up only doing the hike partway (breaking trail had been exhausting too) and turning around as our pooch was hating the wind, and a few areas had questionable stability under all the new snow. We were happy to play it safe, enjoy the beautiful views, and have a shorter day!

We arrived at the trail head at 1030. 4 other cars in the lot. 12 mile road not bad, pot holes the last 7 miles, had a Toyota 4 runner that did fine, just take it slow. We hiked on a glorious autumn day, perfect hiking conditions. The trail is in great shape! Some frost in parts and slight breeze on the ridge line but absolutely gorgeous. Bug free. Some blueberries still available. Spent a few hours just hiking along the ridge line taking in the many views of Komo Kulshan front and center as you come out the of trees, and Shuksan to the east. So many peaks, 360 degrees! The peaks to the north were surrounded by clouds when we arrived atop the ridge but were mostly clear by the time we left. Can’t wait to return for a backpack trip. No water to filter except a small stream down the ridge so bring plenty of water if backpacking. One highlight was hearing what we think was a avalanche on Baker as we sat down for lunch.  A big boom! But it may have been from jets flying over as we saw and heard them later on. 

I got a late start on this one (this was trail option #2, but panned out great)...high elevations were shrouded in clouds/whiteout...but I knew the forecast was to clear as the day went on so I opted for the longer drive to the trailhead...there were plenty of parking options when I arrived around 11 am & the trail quickly had me captivated - I've never seen so many mushrooms on a trail & so much variety (if the sky's never cleared up I was captivated by all these trailside shrooms...I only had a couple of people pass me - this trail is fantastic for solitude (I'm guessing the long bumpy drive in keeps the crowds away.  once on the ridge I was delighted with the colorful meadows, the ridgeline trail & the hide & seek views/vistas.  I went about 4.7 miles in (didn't quite make it to the alpine tarn at the end - next time)...but by 4pm I wanted a food break & it was time for me to head back. there was clearly an inversion starting (low clouds are just awesome) & as I walked out both big peaks & endless vistas progressively revealed themselves...just wow....this trail blew me away. for more pics & highlights IG:@janettepowell