It was the best of trails, it was the worst of trails... Hiked up Cady Ridge, over to Dishpan Gap, down to Meandering Meadows and finished on the Little Wenatchee River trail clockwise as a day hike (clocked 16 miles round trip).
The WTA description details a counterclockwise loop starting on the Little Wenatchee and finishing coming down Cady Ridge - I would not suggest this, in fact I wouldn't suggest the Little Wenatchee River trail to anyone, but more on that later.
The hike up to Cady Ridge is steep in some spots, and there is a stretch that is definitely a slog, but there are tons of blueberries to snack on and keep your energy levels up. Once you make it to the ridge, it's absolute paradise. Amazing views every which way, the fall colors are in full effect. Take your time to take it all in!
Hiking down to Meandering Meadow was pleasant, but it couldn't hold a candle to the majesty of Cady Ridge. When I return to this area, I won't go back down to the meadow, viewing it from above was nice enough. Next time I'll explore more of the ridge views and perhaps loop back down via Cady Creek trail, make a larger backpacking trip from the PCT, or just double back down on the ridge trail.
After passing through the meadow, down the switchbacks to the Little Wenatchee River trail, things got brushy, really brushy. We couldn't see our feet for long stretches of time. We had to use out hiking polls to push encroaching vegetation including devils club away from our legs 70% of the way. I also managed to get stung by a yellow jacket that I couldn't see (we heard buzzing, I was behind my friend, and felt a sharp sting in my calf despite wearing leggings). So heads up, there may or may not be a yellow jacket nest about 3 miles from the trailhead. If you are going to do this part of the trail, wear long pants and if you are doing it in the AM, be ready to get wet from dew.
Only saw 6 other people on the trail the whole day - two solo backpackers heading down, one PCT hike, a pair of overnight hikers, and one other day hiker.
All in all, it was an amazing day in the Central Cascades.
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