Cascadedreams Home   >>   2006 Trips - All   >>  Mt. Pilchuck - December
Mt. Pilchuck - 5340'
Miles RT: Elevation Gain: Route/Trail:
12 3340' trail
Map: GT - #109 Granite Falls
USGS - Verlot
Season: winter
As with most winter trips to summer destinations, expect to gain a little more elevation and cover a few more miles getting there.  We were able to drive to about 2000' on the Pilchuck Mtn. Road before being stopped by the deepening snow.  We walked from there.  Another group of three hitched a ride on a really well equipped 4wd pickup that was able to drive all the way to the parking area at the 3100' summer trail head.
After regrouping and taking a short break we were off, basically following the summer trail to the lookout.  The weather wasn't too bad early on, but by the time we got close to the west ridge below the lookout, the wind had picked up and it was snowing pretty good.  The snow on the west side of the ridge was hard and wind scoured.  Huddled out of the wind inside the lookout building, we had some lunch before heading back.  The descent was the reverse of the ascent.
  December 9, 2006      
 At the summer trail head
Lyle sweeps  
West traverse
Up to the west ridge  
Fuzzy pic at the lookout  
It's beginning to feel a lot like...
...February  
Regrouping  

Directions:
Drive Hwy 92 to Granite Falls at the east end of town go left on the Mountain Loop Hwy.  Just past Verlot (ranger station) immediately after crossing the river go right on Pilchuck Mtn. Road (Rd 42).  Follow to the trail head at 3100'.
Winter:
Same as above except drive as far as possible on the Pilchuck Mtn. Road. The road may be gated (closed) at the Heather Lake Trail head. Check the Darrington Ranger District for more information.

All original content © 2008 cascadedreams.com, All rights reserved.