Palouse to Cascades Trail - Easton — Thursday, Dec. 31, 2015

Snoqualmie Region > Cle Elum Area

Sorry about the "snow conditions"- really, the drop down needs more choices. I chose this trail because it's winter, the Lake Easton area is groomed for skiing (also has snowmobiling on separate track, and play areas for families). So I wanted a snow covered-trail, and I got it. It was really gusty and cold when I drove through Snoqualmie Pass early in the morning, but only lightly breezy when I arrived at the Lake Easton sno-park. There were only a couple cars there, so my morning was very peaceful. The grooming is immaculate, and the grade is perfect for new skiers or folks trying out snowshoe walking. I had skiied at Cabin Creek the day before, again peacefully early in the day, especially since I-90 was closed both directions for tree removal at 9 a.m; in that case, no car sounds anywhere from the trails until it reopened! I backtracked to check out the closed bridge and watched a RR maintenance vehicle pass by on the tracks along the Yakima River. I continued toward Iron Horse State Park, finally crossing the open (postholed) bridge. Standing in the sun, I saw a hawk and two bald eagles soar overhead. People started to arrive later, perhaps because the Hyak Sno-Park was full, according to the freeway reader board. All in all a pleasant morning wandering around taking pictures of icicles and bridges and snow.