"I would probably recommend this trip to a friend."
Not an official trail, but a great workout and great views, one of the best in the Snoqualmie Pass area. The trail starts on the edge of the Alpental road about 30 feet south of the Snow Lake trailhead. Follow the reminants of an old service road well worn by boots. After the top of the ancient rope town ski hill, the track works up through the brush and forest, there aren't really any switchbacks. I expected more brush crawling, but the track has been beaten wide enough by boots that brush really isn't a problem.
A crux part of the trip comes when the track zigs left, traverses for a while and then crosses a creek on a ledge above a large cliff. This was no problem on a dry day in September, but earlier in the year or in heavy rain this could be dicey.
Soon after the creak the track reaches the base of Cave ridge and the summit ridge of Snoqualmie Mtn. The boot track zig-zags steeply upward and the views get better and better. Just below the top one of the boot tracks veers left to the northern most summit. The main track continues to the central summit, but it looks like the northern summit is maybe five feet higher. Great views all around, Stuart, Thompson, Chikamin, Chimmney Rock, Hinman, Glacier Peak, Garfield, Chair Peak, The Tooth and of course the big Ice Cream cones to the south.
This is a worthwhile hike, particularly if you are short of time and want a solid work-out with great views. The detractions are some loose rock on the upper mtn, steepness that can be hard on middle age knees and the fact that you never quite escape from the highway noise.
Stats. 2.5 miles UP, 3000 feet elevation gain.
Note: This is backcountry wilderness travel. You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards and taking the necessary precautions.
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