Winter Arrived Early Mt. Pilchuck

Winter has arrived early on Mt. Pilchuck where snow covers the trail about a mile out of the trailhead. We guessed that at least ten inches of snow has accumulated at the summit.  Last year, we hiked to the top in a snowless November.  In fact, I can't think of a season in the past 10 or 15 years, when we have seen more than a dusting of snow this early in autumn.

Despite the snow, we found the conditions on the trail good in the morning as we worked our way up the mountain.  The path was easy to follow and the snow was firm and not too icy all the way to the top.  The "summer trail" which turns south (right) of the lookout and brings you to the summit ridge is still in use.  In other words, you don't need to worry about the "winter route" scramble to the lookout up the boulders to the north.  That being said, snow on the rocks before the lookout ladder required a little extra care and caution.

The lookout was open, and crowded when we arrived just before noon.  Since the cloud cover hadn't lifted, and a cold wind whistled outside, hikers stayed inside eating lunch, and perusing the historic photos.

Heading back down the trail was a lot more treacherous.  People were slipping and falling all over as foot traffic had iced up the compact snow.  I was glad I had poles and was wearing boots.  Even so, I sat down once involuntarily on the hike down when my footing gave out.  I almost donned the Yaktrax (microspikes), but decided I was okay without them.

Mt. Pilchuck is turning into Mt. Si north with crowds of new hikers on the trail. Needless-to-say, going down was slow.  I also noticed that the folks hiking in blue jeans, cotton hoodies, and running shoes in freezing, wet conditions, outnumbered experienced hikers in proper gear.  Apparently, not everyone knows that cotton sucks the heat out of you when it gets wet.  Old running shoes lead to twisted ankles on a rugged terrain, not to mention cold feet, especially when the snow is shin deep.  Regardless, we all enjoyed the preview of what promises to be snowy winter.