After 20 years (goodness I'm old) there aren't a lot of local trails I haven't visited. Coupled with lousy weather up high, I was casting about for a destination with the boy. I flashed back to a few weeks prior when, on another lousy weather day, we revisited a local viewpoint. On the way down, there was a spur trail that just disappeared up the hill.
So we went to check it out. Actually, I had gone to check it out and decided it'd be a good spot for Henry so I let it be. Anyway, we headed up the trail. It quickly ended at a sheer cliff, bolted for sport climbing. By skirting the edge to the left, we were able to find hikeable terrain to get above the cliff and on the ridge.
There wasn't even the hint of a human trail, but it was clear elk or deer or goats had been using this route. The moss was torn up in areas and there were plenty of pellets. We stuck to the ridge and climbed. 2,000 feet later we'd had enough for this day. The ridge disappeared into the clouds and trees above us, but there was definitely still plenty more to explore.
So now I have a new go-to for when everything up high is nasty and I want an off-trail challenge. And ain't nobody around, neither.
📍 On the lands of the Snoqualmie people.
