Cady Ridge — Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019

Took a quiet, cloudy hike up Cady Ridge. We hit the trail after leaving Seattle that morning around 11am, and there were three other cars, one when we got back. According to the register at the trailhead, there were 5 other groups out that day, but no one went up Cady Ridge, so we had the trail to ourselves. We just headed out for an out-and-back. The trail starts out pretty easy switchbacking steadily upward, but a few miles in heads straight up the ridge for a more strenuous mile. After that it flattens out and the views open up, though that's also the muddiest, wettest part of the hike after recent snow. We didn't need any technical gear, though that could change quickly. The fall colors are just starting to turn, so it should only get nicer for the next few weeks. It was lovely to have the hike to ourselves, and a quiet, cool day to be out. Not too many views with the fog, though the ridge should be spectacular on a clear day.