We have been working hard to bring you some video from around Puget Sound, showing what the conditions are like up in the mountain playgrounds. The season started a little later than usual, due to the high snow pack. Some of the higher elevation are still fully covered, making travel by snow shoe a must. If you have any questions about the video just drop us a line. --Scotty

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Recent Outings

It's been a busy start to the season and we've got a few things to get your lips wet. It's been a little bit of everything so far this season, hiking into Glacier Basin and The Tooth. As well as doing some Aid Climbing in Index, which is a totally new experience here at WeekendClimber.Com©. Last weekend (6/15/2003) we headed up to bag Chair Peak, near Alpental Ski Area. So far, the weather has pretty much been to our benefit and you should expect some to slideshows real soon. So keep in touch...

The Enchantments -- Via Snow Creek Trail

Just southwest of Leavenworth, WA, on Icicle Road, begins the Snow Creek Trail which climbs steeply into the Snow Creek Valley. It was here in the early 1900's that A.H. Sylvester, a U.S. Geologic Survey Topographer, was 'enchanted' so much by the scenery, he named it such. The Enchantment Basin is a rugged landscape spotted with spires and buttresses that beckons the adventurer in all of us.

Lost Lake -- Trail #1176 - #1185

If you Follow the Greenwater River up through the woods into the Norse Peak Wilderness just north of Mt. Rainier, you will find several spectacular lakes. Hidden below the tall cliffs of Mutton Mountain, lies Lost Lake. This tiny little lake is a wonderful destination for those looking for a great weekend Hike with some rare solitude. It is a multi use trail, so stepping around horse bombs is a must. The beauty of the large equestrian use though, is that most do not camp over-night at the lake, leaving the starry nights to enjoy in peace.

Carbon River Trail -- Mt. Rainier National Park

In the northwest corner or Mt. Rainier National Park lies the lowest glacier in the contiguous United States. The Carbon Glacier extends nearly six miles from the 14410 foot summit of Tahoma (Mt. Rainier), and at it's lowest point the elevation is a mere 3500 feet. This hike provides great vista's of the Carbon River Valley and the cliffs and waterfall that line it's walls. The trail was packed on this weekend, but once you get past the Glacier, you will only share it with a few fellow backpackers. The starting point at Ipsut Creek Campground is a great place to make Base Camp, as it provides a wide variety of hiking and backpacking in a very small area.

Trail #1002 -- Big Creek Falls

Here's a great little hike that can be done almost all year round due to the relatively low elevation of the end point at Big Creek. Trail #1002 meanders along the contours just above the Taylor River, on the north side of the valley. The total round trip distance is 10 miles, so it is an easy day hike through some spectacularly ragged backcountry. It is really hard to believe that this beautiful trail lies just 12 miles northeast of North Bend on the Middle Fork County Road (FS56).