Snow Free in the Cascades

There's been a lot of grumbling around here lately among the outdoor types. Seems global warming hasn't lived up to its promise in the Pacific Northwest. We got buried in snow this past winter. Had a cold spring-and it continues to rain and just not feel like spring. But, don't despair, there are good hiking options out there for those who want to shun the snow. And I'm not talking about the usual coastal and island hikes-I'm talking about Cascades Hikes.

Most of them lie east of the crest. And yes at $4.25 a gallon it may seem like a tough burden to bear-just don't go over there for a day. I always spend at least one night at a campground enjoying 2 or 3 hikes each shot-and more like 4-5 hikes on a 2 or 3 night trip. You want snow free?

Try Theses:

1. Twin Lakes in the Glacier Peak Wilderness
2. Mission Ridge and Devils Gulch
3. Ingalls Creek for the first 6 miles
4. Chiwaukum Creek for the first 5 miles
5. Dirtyface Peak to the 5,200 foot line-easy snow walking beyond
6. Twin Peaks (Horse Lake Mountain) outside of Wenatchee
7. Burch Mountain outside of Wenatchee

I've already racked up miles on these hikes last month returning with dry boots (except for a few creek crossings). And if you want more information on these hikes, be sure to pick up a copy of Day Hiking Central Cascades, coming to a bookstore near you next spring!

(photo-Twin Lakes, Glacier Peak Wilderness May 2008)