September 14-16 2007“NW Hiking Weekend” Steven’s Pass, WA |
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Four Plus Foolhardy Folks |
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Walk #1: Eightmile Lake —Lake Caroline — Windy Pass 11/19/25K, rated 3+ to 4+
The Trail: Hike 11K rated 3+ to Eightmile Lake, elevation gain 1350’. Optionally continue on to Lake Caroline for a total of 19km, rated 4+ (total elevation gain 2890’). Continue on even further to Windy Pass for a whopping 25km rated 5+ (total elevation gain 4150’). Double your day-hiking pleasure! You get the relaxing contemplation of alpine lakes then the spectacular high ridge of almost 7500ft (Windy Pass only). This hike offers a wonderful dose of the famous Enchantment Lakes / Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Picture on right: Mt. Adams as seen from Windy Pass.
Links: cooltrails.com (Eightmile Lake) and cooltrails.com (Lake Caroline/Windy Pass)
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Extreme Challenge: EXTREME TERRAIN, EXTREME DISTANCE/ELEVATION (Windy Pass) Washington State Challenge: Chelan County; Nature: Trails/Flowers/Mountains; Water: Lakes |
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Walk #2: Nason Ridge 10/20K rated 4+
The Trail: 10K rated 4+ to Merritt Lake, elevation gain 2000’; 20K if you continue on to Alpine Lookout (with another 1200’ gain). This route is out-and-back. Nason Ridge is a vast wonderland with numerous trailheads and scenic destinations on top of the ridge. We’ve picked the easiest out-and-back route, but other routes are available including a grand tour of Merritt Lake trailhead to Round Mountain Trailhead (11 miles total) which is one-way and would require you to plan a shuttle car at the other end. Merrit Lake, Alpine Lookout and Round Mountain give you 360-degree panoramas of the central Cascades. If you like views, don’t miss this hike! Picture to the right: Nason Ridge in the fall.
Links: Seattle PI article |
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Extreme Challenge: EXTREME TERRAIN, EXTREME DISTANCE (20K only) Washington State Challenge: Chelan County; Nature: Trails/Flowers/Mountains |
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Walk #3: Colchuck Lake — Lake Stewart 13/15/20K, rated 4+
The Trail: 13km rated 4+ to Colchuck Lake, elevation gain 2500. 15km rated 4+ to Lake Stuart (elevation gain 1800’). Combine the hikes for a 20km rated 4+, gains and loses 1800-2500’. Hike to a pair of hugely popular lakes at the foot of the Enchantment Peaks. Lake Stuart reflects the peaks of Mt. Stuart while the cerulean waters of Colchuck Lake reflect the imposing vista of Aasgard Pass, Dragontail Peak and the Colchuck Glacier. This great hike gives a taste of what alpine wonderland hiking is all about. Picture to the right: Dragontail Peak as seen from Colchuck Lake.
Links: washington trails assoc hiker’s report with photos more pictures! |
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Extreme Challenge: EXTREME TERRAIN, EXTREME DISTANCE (20K) Washington State Challenge: Chelan County; Nature: Trails/Flowers/Mountains; Water: Lakes |
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All four trails are from Day Hike! Central Cascades by Mike McQuaide |
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