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Ski lifts aren’t just for snow anymore hiking along the stevens pass highway

Hiking along the Stevens Pass Highway

6 Skykomish a top whitewater river

8 ride the lifts this summer at Stevens

Hiking Along tHe

stevens pass highway

By Howard Voland

The Stevens Pass Highway is gateway to a wonderland of hiking opportunities with many trailheads just off the highway. Here are several favorites ranging from easy ones suitable for wheelchairs and strollers to the considerably more challenging.

Before You Go:

High country hiking is usually a bit more than a walk in the woods, so it pays to take a little time for planning. Start by checking the weather forecast and current trail conditions.

Most of these trails lie within the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest. Current trail conditions and other information can be found on the website www.fs.usda.gov/ main/mbs/home or call at (360) 677-2414.

Excellent additional information along with current trip reports can be found at the Washington Trail Association (WTA) website at www. wta.org.

What to pack really comes down to trail condition, length, popularity of the hike, weather, special needs (e.g. kids) and the unexpected. Cell phone coverage is spotty, weather can change quickly and accidents happen.

It generally follows the old Great Northern Railroad grade, which was abandoned when the new Cascade Tunnel was opened in 1929. The full trail is 8.6 miles one-way, gaining 1,000 feet in elevation between Scenic and Wellington.

It has interpretive signs, maps, tunnels (don’t go in), collapsed snow sheds, an impressive spillway, many artifacts and then goes through a half-mile concrete snow shed at the Wellington end, which is the site of the 1910 Wellington Disaster where two trains were swept down the mountain by a massive avalanche. www.irongoat.org.

Iron Goat Interpretive Site:

The Iron Goat trail system can be accessed from three trailheads, all with restroom facilities. The easiest trailhead to find is at Scenic. At milepost 58.3, turn north onto the Old Cascade Highway (FS Road 67) and then take an immediate right into the Iron Goat Interpretive Site and trailhead, which does not require a recreation pass to park.

trestle and turns back toward the Windy Point Overlook. This part of the trail is not suitable for wheelchairs.

This trail section is three miles long gaining another 350 feet in elevation by the time it reaches Windy Point 700 feet above the Interpretive Site. Taking the crossover trail here back down to the interpretive site makes for a sixmile loop hike.

From Windy Point, the trail continues on to the Wellington trailhead gaining another 300 feet in less than three miles.

To reach the Martin Creek Trailhead, turn north onto the Old Cascade Highway at milepost 55. Drive about two miles to FS Road 6710, turn north and continue to the parking lot in less than two miles.

Wellington Trailhead:

The essentials of safe hiking generally include appropriate footwear, clothing, lots of water, extra food, rain gear, sun protection, a first aid kit, knife, way to make a fire in the rain, map and compass (GPS doesn’t always work in the trees), flashlight with extra batteries and insect repellent.

Most trailheads on public land now require some kind of permit for parking. For all of these hikes, except one trailhead as noted, a National Forest Recreation Pass is needed. Day passes are $5 per vehicle and are available at many local stores, as well as the Ranger Station just past Skykomish. More information is on the National Forest website.

These trails are all hiker-only trails and dogs must be leashed at all times. Except for the Iron Goat trail, group size is limited to 12. They may also require a self-issue permit. If so, it will be provided at the trailhead. Check trailhead notice boards for any additional information, such as bear sightings.

The Iron Goat Trail:

This popular trail system offers more options and interest for hikers than any other trail along the Stevens Pass Highway.

Two trails leave from the Interpretive Site. One is a crossover trail that climbs 700 feet in a mile in a series of steep switchbacks to the upper grade and the Windy Point Overlook, which has a spectacular view east toward Stevens Pass and the west portal of Cascade Tunnel.

The second trail follows the lower grade west climbing gently to the Martin Creek Trailhead in less than three miles while gradually gaining 350 feet in elevation. This trail is five feet wide and suitable for wheelchairs and strollers.

Martin Creek Trailhead:

At Martin Creek, the trail crosses over to the upper grade bypassing the site of the old, massive horseshoe

To reach the Wellington Trailhead, drive to Stevens Pass, turn around and head west to milepost 64.4, just west of the summit. Turn north onto the Old Stevens Pass Highway and follow it for almost three miles to the junction with FS Road 50. Turn right and find the trailhead parking lot in a short distance.

The first part the trail coming from the Wellington trailhead going to the Disaster Overlook, about a quarter of a mile, is wheelchair accessible. The Wellington trailhead also offers access to the town site artifacts and to the west portal of the old Cascade Tunnel, which is not safe to enter.

Deception Creek Trail:

This trail is a lovely walk in the woods into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness through mature growth forest. The area was burned in 1668

but was never logged.

The trail reaches its fi rst junction with another trail in about five miles and ultimately reaches the Pacific Crest Trail, but for the day hiker this is a trail with no destination. Hike as long as you want and then turn back. Elevation gain is gradual and the trail is not crowded.

Find the trailhead just after the Deception Falls Rest Stop. Turn south at milepost 56.6 onto the Deception Creek Road (FS Road 6088). Continue one mile to the trailhead.

Tunnel Creek Trail:

The Tunnel Creek Trail is a quick connection to the Pacific Crest Trail south of Stevens Pass without having to deal with hiking through the ski area. In a challenging mile-and-a-half, it climbs 1,200 feet to join the Pacific Crest Trail at Hope Lake. Continue north on the PCT and climb another 200-feet to Mig Lake with its surrounding meadows noted for berry picking in the fall. Head south on the PCT for great

views as you cross a south facing slope reaching the Trap Lake trail junction about five miles from the trailhead.

Beyond is Trapp Pass, after which the PCT descends to Surprise Lake, which is also accessible from the Surprise Creek trailhead at Scenic. The Surprise Creek Trail is a demanding one, about four miles, one-way, from Scenic, and gaining more than 2,000 feet.

To fi nd the Tunnel Creek trailhead, look for Tunnel Creek Road (FS Road 6095) on the right immediately after the big horseshoe turn that starts the fi nal ascent toward Stevens Pass. It is just over 13 miles east of Skykomish. Stay left on FS 6095 and fi nd the trailhead in about a mile-and-a-half.

Surprise Creek Trailhead:

Turn south at milepost 58.7 onto an unmarked road to the service center for Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway at Scenic. Cross the railroad tracks, turn onto the spur road on the far right, and

HIKING continued on page 9

AquaSox Schedule Highlights

and Financial Svcs (360)805-9484 whimsj@nationwide.com 101 E. Main St. Monroe

FIREWORKS NIGHTS –

June 24th, July 4th, July 9th, Aug 5th, Aug 13th, Aug 19th, Aug 27th, Sept 3rd

June 23rd – Opening Night

June 25th – Ken Griffey Jr. plaque giveaway

July 4th – Independence Day Celebration

July 8th – Webbly bobblehead giveaway

July 9th – Pink at the Park Night

August 5th – Star Wars Night

August 7th – 8th Annual Car Show

August 12th – Ken Griffey Jr. bobblehead giveaway

August 13th – Frogstock

August 16th – Bark in the Park

August 26th – Flatscreen Friday

August 27th – Princess & Pirate Night

August 28th – Family Festival

Skykomish a top whitewater river

BY POLLY KEARY

Among connoisseurs of whitewater rafting, rivers with Class 5 rapids are prized.

Rivers are rated on a scale of 1-5, from mildest to wildest, and Class 5 is the highest rating allowable for commercial rafting trips.

ere are just four rivers in Washington state with Class 5 stretches, and the only one closest to a major city is the Skykomish.

ere are just two full-time, area-based raft guiding companies that run trips down the tumultuous river.

at, explained Blair Corson of the Outdoor Adventure Center in Index, is because it’s easier to make money on easier rivers.

“It’s extremely hard to train people to do Class 5,” he said. “It takes two to three years, minimum. It’s easier to train someone for a few weeks and put them the the huge Wenatchee.”

at means adventure lovers in the greater Seattle area, and particularly the Sky Valley, have an unusual opportunity to tackle an exhilarating river experience less than an hour

from home.

e season starts in March and runs through August, said Corson. e most exciting season for whitewater is in late spring and early summer, when water volumes are high.

Trips from Gold Bar are as jawdroppingly gorgeous as they are exhilarating; the rafts pass below towering Mount Index and Mount Persus and include the harrowing, Class 5 Boulder Drop, as well as rapids with names such as "Bonsai," "Aquagasm," "Lunch Hole" and "Railroad" before it winds up at peaceful Big Eddy near Sultan.

Although the rapids are intense, neither Alpine Adventures nor the Outdoor Adventure Center, based in Index, have ever had a serious accident on the river, and between the two companies they take about 5,000 customers down the river each year.

But one need not be a thrill seeker to enjoy the river; both companies also o er milder trips.

"We own 27 acres ve miles up from Index, and we do the Class 3 section there, as well, so that gets your feet wet," said Corson, of the large family-owned rafting and adventure company. "It's beautiful and you get to go through the Wild Sky Wilderness."

And both companies o er family oats starting from Big Eddy and winding up in Sultan.

e Outdoor Adventure Center also o ers whitewater kayaking trips, and rents stand up paddle boards for use on the lower, more placid stretch of the river between Sultan and Monroe.

Whichever trip you chose, each company begins the day by getting you set up with a wetsuit (sort of like zipping yourself into sausage skin) and neoprene booties, a helmet and a life jacket.

ere is an orientation, including some paddling practice, and safety instructions.

en all push the rafts into the river, get situated and the adventure begins. Trailed by safety kayakers who are there to grab anyone who should fall from a raft, the large in atable rafts bounce through rapids, some with towering swells and dizzying drops, as the river guide shouts instructions.

It's a physically strenuous sport; paddling is frantic in the hairier sections of the river, but it's also relaxing in the calm stretches, and views from the river are spectacular.

To learn more visit alpineadventures.com and outdooradventurecenter.com

Ski lifts aren’t just for snow

Stevens Pass is just one of a few ski resorts to open the lifts in the summer for a whole new set of thrillseekers: downhill mountain bikers.

Beginning in 2007, the ski hill operators developed a small system of rugged trails for mountain bikers, then in late summer of 2012 opened Hogsback chairlift, outﬁtted with special lift chairs, to carry bikers and their rides to the top.

The six trails include such challenges as jumps, bank turns, wood features and other terrain for riders of all skill levels.

This year, the resort is offering mountain bike rentals again. Season passes are a lot cheaper for biking than they are for skiing; from $199 - $229 gets you all the trail time you want. Rentals will set you back a bit more, at $109.99 for a full day or $69.99 for a half day. Jr. bike rentals go for less. Helmets, bike shoes and pads are extra. You can also rent a GoPro! The park will open once the snow is melted.

continue for a quarter-mile to the trailhead.

In late summer, huckleberries grow wild everywhere in the high country. Here are three hikes excellent for fi nding the tart treats. Tonga Ridge is one of the most popular huckleberry hikes in the valley.

Take US 2 to the Foss River Road (FS Road 68), a couple of miles east of Skykomish. Turn south and follow it for 3.5 miles to its junction with FS Road 6830 and turn left. Continue for 6.7 miles to the 310 spur and turn right onto it and drive 1.3 miles to the trailhead at the end of the road. Parking is limited.

This is a gently climbing trail through second growth timber and huckleberry meadows on a south-facing slope in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. After a couple of miles, a side trail climbs through huckleberry meadows to terrific views at the top of Mount Stewart. West Cady Ridge is our favorite huckleberry hike. The trailhead is now accessible via the FS 65 detour. Take US 2 to the Buckler River Road (FS Road 65) just east of Skykomish and turn north onto it. Drive 15 miles and turn right on FS Road 63 and continue 4.2 miles to the trailhead.

The trail starts in the Wild Sky Wilderness climbing through old growth timber last burned 700

hundred years ago. As you near the top of the ridge, the huckleberry meadows open up. After four miles and an elevation gain of 2,200 feet, you’ll reach a high point with terrific views. The trail continues and eventually joins the Pacific Crest Trail.

Access the PCT south of Stevens Pass via the Tunnel Creek Trail. To fi nd the trailhead, look for Tunnel Creek Road (FS Road 6095) on the right immediately after the big horseshoe turn that starts the SR 2 fi nal ascent toward Stevens Pass just over 13 miles east of Skykomish. Stay left and fi nd the trailhead in about a mile-and-a-half.

The Tunnel Creek Trail climbs 1,200 feet in a mile-and-a-half to join the PCT at Hope Lake, which is in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. From that junction, head north a mile or so to the berry meadows around Mig Lake.

An easier way to access the PCT north of Stevens Pass is via the Smith Brook Trail. Take US 2 and look for the Smith Brook Road (FS Road 6700) four miles east of the summit. Follow it for about three miles to the trailhead.

The Smith Brook Trail climbs 500 feet in a mile to join the PCT at Union Gap in the Henry M. Jackson Wilderness. Turn south and head toward Lake Valhalla and start looking for huckleberries as you approach the pass above the lake in a mile or so.

BEST SUMMER EVER!

HIKING from page 5

Happy Campers

Where to Camp or RV along US 2

BY POLLY KEARY

one of the things that Sky Valley recreation boosters bemoan is that there is not enough camping in the region, especially for rVs.

while it is true that, much like the rest of the Sky Valley, camping tends to be a bit rugged and short of polish; if one wishes to tent or trailer in the woods, there are plenty of places to go.

Forest service campgrounds open in mid to late may, heralding the start of camping season.

Here’s where to camp, what you’ll ﬁnd, and what you’ll pay:

San Juan Campground

San Juan campground has vault toilets and no water, but each site has a picnic table and a ﬁre ring. the Forest Service campground is on the north Fork of Skykomish river.

FIND IT: on U.S. 2 just west of milepost 50, turn north on Beckler road. Drive 15 miles to its junction with north Fork Skykomish (FS 63) and continue for two miles on FS 63. the campground will be on the left.

Evergreen State Fairgrounds

it’s not perhaps the most scenic of rV sites, but if you’re coming to town for an event, or passing through, the water and power hookups and available sewer dump are convenient and affordable. there are 96 ear-by-jowl spaces, and don’t look for campﬁre rings or picnic tables, but there are showers on the property.

FinD it: off U.S. 2, just west of the highway tunnel at milepost 46, turn south onto old cascade Highway. the campground entrance is after an immediate left turn following old cascade Highway.

COST: can make reservations through the national recreation reservation System at www.recreation.gov.

thunderbird rV and camping resort is a private, membership campground, but there are a number of sites open to the general public. Families can enjoy the availability of mini-golf, three pools and playgrounds and there is on-site salmon and steelhead fishing. Find a fitness center, hot tub, laundry, showers and even shuffleboard. Pets are welcome.

FIND IT: 26702 Ben Howard road, monroe, wA 98272.

Thunderbird RV and Camping Resort

Stevens

Pass Ski Resort

in the ski season, Stevens Pass ski resort offers 20/30 amp hookup rV sites. now that the resort offers summer downhill mountain bike riding, rV parking is available during the summer season. call (206) 812-4510 to learn more. or stevenspass.com

money creek campground is an old growth forest along the South Fork Skykomish river, and there is a swimming hole for hot days. there are 24 sites, four of which are wheelchair accessible. Five of the sites are near the train tracks, so if noise bothers you in the night, get there early and get one of the more distant sites. water is available from faucets. Garbage service is available, and sometimes ﬁrewood is available for sale.

FIND IT: off U.S. 2, just west of the highway tunnel at milepost 46, turn south onto old cascade Highway. the campground entrance is after an immediate left turn following old cascade Highway.

Money Creek Campground Beckler River Campground

Beckler river campground is on the banks of the Beckler river amid lush forest. there are 27 sites, including several good for wheelchairs and families. Drinking water is available from a hand pump. Vault toilets.

FIND IT: on U.S. 2 just west of milepost 50, turn north on Beckler road. Drive 1.5 miles to the campground entrance on the left.

Camping is also legal for campers anywhere in the national forest, as long as it's not a fragile alpine meadow.

Try our delicious YoCakes, YoShakes, and YoSmoothies! Our Smoothies are Real Fruit, Real Yogurt, Real Good! Gluten Free, Dairy Free & No Sugar Added Options

Summer fun in the Sky

with the return of summer, the Sky Valley abounds in activities, many sports-related, from triathlons to demolition derbies, many family-friendly activities such as movies played on an outdoor screen in a monroe park or weekend-long city festivals such as Sultan Shindig.

You can try a triathlon, watch a parade, go to an outdoor concert and much more this summer, as nearly each weekend brings a new activity to the Valley.

Feel Better About How You Look!

HERE IS A GUIDE TO WHAT IS GOING ON:

JUNE 27

Chuck Briggs 5th Annual Skywizard Fireworks Show at Paula's Wine Knot

Starts at dusk, open to all ages and the show is free. Please bring your blankets and lawn chairs. Carpool if you can as they ran out of parking last year. 19829 168th St. S.E. Monroe.

JULY 2

Bardahl Oil NW 1st Annual Rock 'n Rev Festival

Featuring a Car Show, Live Music and Auto Cross. Gates open at noon. Visit EvergreenSpeedway.com for more details and tickets to the event or call 360-805-6117

JULY 8 - 10

Sultan Shindig and Logging Show Downtown Sultan

A logging contest, a large street fair, lots of live music, a parade, a carnival, and a car and motorcycle

show are expected to draw about 21,000 visitors to Sultan, making it the Sky Valley's largest summer event that is not the Evergreen State Fair.

For complete event details, see www.skyvalleychamber.com, select “events,” then select “Sultan Shindig.”

JULY 22 - 24

The Gold Dust Days Heritage Festival

Pays tribute to the rich western heritage of Gold Bar. Experience real gold panning, a Civil War encampment, live music, handcrafted-only street fair, an amazing car show with a classic pin-up girl contest, parade, and motorcycle poker run. Plus there will be old-fashioned FREE fun for children, including a bike decorating session, followed by a bike parade, bouncy house, gunny

JULY 4

NW Auto Recyclers 4th of July USA BIRTHDAY BASH

Car Demo, Outlaw Figure 8, Stinger 8, Hornets, V8 Extremes, Boat Races, Bus Races, Mr Dizzy, and Fireworks all at Evergreen Speedway. Visit EvergreenSpeedway.com

Summer Night Series, Movies Under The Moon

JULY 9

MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour

King of Wake Competition

Lake Tye, Monroe

This is stop No. 3 of the national MasterCraft Wakeboard Tour, the largest wakeboard tour in the world. The best wakeboarding athletes in the world, including X Games gold medalists, world record holders and world champions, will arrive in Monroe to perform big aerial stunts and water obstacle tricks as they compete for points toward being crowned King of Wake at the end of the summer's MasterCraft Pro Wakeboard Tour.

Event runs 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

For complete details, see: wakeboardingmag.com or www.thewwa.com

AUGUST 5

Lake Tye Park, Monroe

"Inside Out" Starts 8pm

AUGUST 12

Lake Tye Park, Monroe

"Pixels" Starts 8pm

sack races against the fi refi ghters, and a theatrical performance by the Red Hat Ladies.

JULY 29-31

Paciﬁc Nautique, INT League and the NWWSA present the Northwest Wake Surf Open on Lake Tye in Monroe, WA

This event is a Competitive Wake Surf Association World Series Silver Level Comp with $5000 in prize money for the pro divisions! The event will be pulled by a Nautique G23!

JULY 29 - 31

Skyfest in Index

As early as the 1980's river and nature enthusiasts created a festival in Index, Washington to celebrate what they named the Sky Festival. River enthusiasts, rafters, kayakers, and residents of the area put together a local river festival that was centered around the love and wonders of the Skykomish River. It offers a wide range of quality activities, competitions, and

AUGUST 19

Lake Tye Park Monroe

“Jurassic World” Starts at 8pm

AUGUST 25

Lake Tye Park Monroe

“Star Wars” Starts at 8pm

exhibits - making this one of the nation’s largest outdoor festivals. skyfest.org or contact janelle@ outdooradventurecenter.com

AUGUST 6

13th Annual Index Arts Festival

Doolittle Park, 503 Avenue A, Index

The tiny mountain community of Index includes a large number of artists, including musicians, poets, painters and more. The Arts Festival celebrates not only their art, but the art of the Pacific Northwest.

View art, buy arts and crafts, hear live music all day, attend poetry readings or present your own poetry.

Booths open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Live music runs till 10 p.m. There will be art activities for children.

The event is free: for more info, see www.indexartsfestival.org.

SUMMER FUN

Summer fun in the Sky

AUGUST. 6

Lake Tye Triathlon

Lake Tye Park, Monroe

This triathlon offers Olympic (1500 meter swim, 28 mile bike ride, 6.2 mile run), Sprint (1/4 mile swim, 14 mile bike ride, 3.1 mile run) and Youth races. The triathlon is geared for athletes ranging from beginner to elite. A full pancake breakfast is included. To learn more and to register, visit: www.laketyetri.com.

Start time is 8 a.m.

• Physiotherapy Rehab Medicine • Hellerwork Deep Tissue Structural Integration

• Injury Treatment: Acute & Chronic Pain

• Lymphatic Drainage: Detox & Post-Surgical • Emotional Awareness & Release • InfraRed Sauna • Raw Food Coaching

AUGUST 27

Fair Days Parade

Main Street, Monroe

The annual Evergreen State Fair kick-off parade starts at Park Place Middle School on Main Street and heads east. Turn out to see many awardwinning floats and high school marching bands, catch lots of candy and then head out to the fair.

Parade starts at 11 a.m.