Mountain Hikes

Hikes are planned for Fridays from May to November when the Cascade Mountains National Forest and Parks are snow-free and the weather is favorable.

We will not hike if rain or high wind is forecast and plans may be changed based upon conditions. You should always be ready for cold and rain!

Our hiking schedule is listed below. For last minute changes, call Al Osborne at 253-876-6104 (home) or 253-880-2800 (cell). You can also email him at: osborne-al@wesleyresident.org.

Rating Scale: Level 3 has moderate hills, rough trails with rocks and logs to scramble over, and several hundred feet of elevation gain. Level 4 has more difficult trails, or 1000 ft of elevation gain (and/or) loss at higher elevations and hikes of greater than five miles. Level 5 hikes are hard, long uphill switchbacks, higher elevations, maybe some cross country travel (no trail), and longer duration trips.

It is recommended that you come to some of the Tuesday "Walks" before trying the Friday "Hikes"!

The photos below show what you're missing by not hiking with us! Click a photo below for a larger picture. Use your browser's Back button to return to this page. You may view additional photos taken during our walks by visiting the following web site: www.msnusers.com/FWSCHikers
 

Grouse

Mountain Goats

Palisades Trail

Skookum Flats Hikers

Mountain Hikes Schedule

Please note these points: 1. You need a good pair of hiking shoes with good rough tread and ankle protection for these hikes. 2. Bring a sack lunch, water, walking stick, mosquito repellent, and sunscreen. 3. It is a good idea to carry a day pack with rain wear, any medication you might need, and "The Ten Essentials" (click here to read about them!).  4. Because we hike at altitudes of 3000 to 7000 feet, it can be 10 to 30 degrees colder and you should have extra clothes to cover the extremes in weather. 5. The cost is based upon gas prices from the Senior Center to the destination, as shown on AAA's Fuel Gauge Report.

MAY 2008
DATE and HIKE	TOTAL MILES	ELEVATION GAIN IN / OUT	HIGH POINT	RATING	COST
May 9: Highpoint Trail in  Issaquah This trail is new for us and covers the area east of our previous walks. It should give us a more elevated view of the Tradition Plateau. We pass by High Point Lake and climb to the bridge across high Point Creek, a favorite place on Tiger Mountain. Departs: 9:00 am	3.5	700 / 200	1260	3	$6.05
May 16: Little Mt. Si; Boulder Garden Loop This is a loop trail off the main Little Mt. Si Trail and is low enough to avoid snow. This will be our first visit, so no other details are available. We return via Lingering Loop and maybe Dwight's Way Trail. Departs: 9:00 am	2.6	900 / 100	1500	8	$5.73
May 23: Squak Mt. State Park Trailhead We will again visit the woodlan trails of this local mountain, part of the Issaquah Alps Trail System, and hike up to the Bullett Fireplace from the south side of the mountain. Departs: 9:00 am	5	1490 / 200	1800	4	$4.44
May 30: South Tiger Mountain Loop  Enjoy the beauty and diversity of 600 acres of old growth Douglas first, with mature Western Hemlock, Sitka Spruce and Western Red Cedar trees. Departs: 9:00 am	3 or 7	700 / 200	2000	3 or 4	$4.00
June 6: Rattlesnake Lake Ridge Trail This trail leaves Rattlesnake Lake parking lot and climbs to a ridge with a view of the lake and surrounding area. Departs: 9:00 am	4	1100 / 100	2020	4	$6.32
June 13: Mt. Si - Talus Loop This trail leaves the Mt. Si trail at 1300 feet and swings east in a loop, rejoining the trail at 2100 feet, where we will then return to the trailhead. Departs: 9:00 am	4.2	1076 / 200	2100	4	$6.04
June 20: Twin Falls State Park Trail Exit 34 off I-5, east of North Bend, leads to this trail which climbs to two falls on the South Fork of the Snoqualmie River. Departs: 9:00 am	3.6	800 / 300	2500	3	$6.25
June 27: Greenwater Trail off Hwy. 410 This trail works up the Gorge with great views of shear cliffs and old growth forest and two mountain lakes. Departs: 9:00 am	4	500 / 200	3200	3	$7.50