Mt Pilchuck Winter Hike
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 ก.พ. 2025
- A hike to the Mt. Pilchuck Lookout on 01/20/2025, with favorable winter conditions. The road to the trailhead was closed at the Heather Lake Trailhead but I half rode/half walked my bicycle up to the Mt Pilchuck trailhead. With cold, stable conditions, and a number of recent hikers paving the trail in the days before me, I was able to hike to the lookout in crampons with little difficulty. The air temperature was around 22 degrees that morning, so it was very cold when I wasn't moving. The ride down the road on the way out was a bit sketchy at first, and the wind was super cold on my hands, but it made the trip back to the car much faster. As always (on a clear day), the views from the Mount Pilchuck Lookout did not disappoint!
Hey, on the 18th I slept on the southern most point off the summit ridge, those were my footprints leading south away from the lookout. I left early Sunday morning. Did you see my flat dug out tent pad right on the very edge of the cliff. You could see it in your drone footage, lol. I figured you'd be following my footsteps the whole way but looks like someone else had made their way up and skied down. Not to many people make it up there mid winter, its my favorite deep winter spot for a quick overnighter. Usually I sleep in the lookout but the shutter over the door was screwed shut and the only way into it would be to shovel off the ice and hardpack infant of the door and crawl in under the shutter. I didn't want to mess with it so I just found as level of a spot as I could for my one person tent and shoveled off a platform. Funny to come across your video. Next time you'll have to spend the night it's amazing up there with the view and all the city lights, one of my favorite views. PS it got down to 16 degrees early Sunday morning so come prepared if you go for an overnighter.
Mt pilchuck is what made me stay in Washington. It was the first real hike i ever did here.
Very nice my friend! Love the views!
Believe me when I tell you it’s warmer outside that it is inside this time of year. I never get tired of that view.
this is a great winter option!
Yes!!! You did it. Way to go my friend. Pilchuck has been on my winter hiking bucket list, and you inspired me to get out there. However the 16 mile round trip is such a big commitment considering it adds 10 miles due to the road closure. Plus you had a heavy pack on, which makes this even more of an achievement. Props!
He’s back! Thanks for the video. Cheers!
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During the winter most people avoid the boulder field by leaving the trail and taking a more direct route up to the summit. The winter route has 1 short (100 ft) steep section where crampons and an ice axe are advised but mostly its gentle and there is more/better quality snow and less boulder scrambling.