Meander Meadows, Little Wenatchee River — Friday, Jul. 9, 2010

Central Cascades > Stevens Pass - East

Set out from the trailhead at 440PM Friday. Arrived at the meadow at the base of the vertical bit close to twilight. Camped in the field with two other parties. The campsite just inside the trees on the left of the trail as you enter the field is very nice if available. There is uncrowded tent space three in this The trail in was good. Climbs steadily the whole way through fragrant meadows, breathing forests, and over snowmelt. We encountered a few blowdowns; though none was major. The dogs got under/over all of them just fine. The trail was overgrown with soft vegetation in spots (which from my experience is standard for this trail). Plenty of snowmelt water all along the route. No major washouts. Plenty of bear poop right in the trail, but no bears. On the second day we did the vertical bit. It's nonstop uphill, but afforded occasional breezy, shady passages ideal for the odd moment of rest & recoupment. The trail was substantially snow free the whole way up to the top, where we had to cross three increasingly large snowfields: snowfields which turned back the two other parties on the trail that day, giving us the meadow to ourselves. We slept outside both nights no problem. Bugs: no problem. The dogs were quiet both nights. We had meant to take the Cady Ridge loop, but saw as we ascended it was still snowed in over most of its length. We followed the trail up along the N wall above Meander Meadow and ran into deep snow at the top. Sunday AM back down the snow, hill climb, and walk out.