This is definitely a low snow year. Being able to hike up Patterson Mountain in late January on snow without snowshoes is definitely an unusual year. The morning was cold, single digits in the valley and mid-teens at Patterson Lake. The cold helped keep the snow firm and avoid ice buildup that occurs with freeze/thaw.
The trail was easy walking on the compressed snow with boots and poles. Just a few sections of ice in the lower areas. We went up the North Loop and then over to the top and beyond to the benchmark. On our way up, we met 4 others coming down, some using yak-trax.
On top, the views were fantastic on this sunny day. It was great after many days of gray skies in the Methow Valley. While there hasn't been any snow for many days, the frost crystals have really grown, providing beautiful reflections of the sun.
After a break at the benchmark, we went down the south side. The descent to the water tank was easy plunge stepping in the 8" of crusty snow. There was less snow as we descended, which made walking easier. We opted to head up the slight bump south of the water tank and had a lunch break.
After returning to the water tank, we took the road around the east side of the mountain, breaking trail, only sinking into the snow 3"-6". Even so, it was work and we were glad to get back to the South Loop trail and follow the packed snow trail down to the trailhead.
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