Trip report by Jerry Brower
I needed to get some exercise after by-pass surgery in March 1998, so I decided to drive up to the Mt Pilchuck trailhead and check it out. Hit the snow level about 100 yards below the trailhead and parked on the shoulder with two other cars. Met a couple coming down and saw they had snowshoes. She said that they didn't need them if you stay in the tracks. They had stayed on the top overnight and saw only two snowboarders and another solo climber on the trail. Not too crowded if you hike on a Tuesday.
The trail was easy to follow even through it was snow covered. The steady grade up through the old trees of the west shoulder was cool and pleasant. As I neared the overlook a one mile the hoot of an owl announced his territory. The view southwest from the overlook was a little hazy but still good. Lake Stevens and Puget Sound to the west then Mt Rainier was in the distant south.
My pulse was only 30 over resting so I decided to go on. Soon after the overlook the trees thinned and I climbed into the alpine slopes of the upper west ridge. Good sunglasses and a trusty ice axe with self arrest skills are important in the spring in the cascades. The views across the snow covered northwest face of Mt Pilchuck to Three Fingers were fantastic. Gary quickly came up from behind, we exchanged pleasantries and he was gone in the distance above. I do go pretty slow.
Near the top there was evidence of many joyful glissades. Not many avalanche tracks, but an extensive cornice threatened along the ridge top. The lookout came into view when the route moved to the south slope and a cool breeze made me slip on a Gore-Tex shell to break the wind. The two Snowboarders slid by with a "howdy" and disappeared below. Gary was waiting on top.
What started as a 30 minute walk for exercise had turned into a three and a half hour marathon to the top of Mt Pilchuck. I don't know if I should mention this to my cardiologist. The lookout was essentially still snowed-in because the shutters could not be opened fully. I am glad I made it; the view was spectacular. You could see Mt Baker, Glacier Peak, Mt Rainer, Mt Shuksan and Three Fingers. Also the Olympics, the Sound, several lakes, and downtown Seattle. Gary and I went down together and the decent was fun and quick. With rain pants there were a few good butt slides. With the snow covered trail all the way it was easy on your knees and we made it down in less than one hour.
Mt. Pilchuck Trip Reports on Cool Trails
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