Hike 11/9 Tonga Ridge
Sunday, November 9, 7:30 AM - 4:30 PM
5 - 8 miles, 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain.
Meet at Everett Station Park & Ride Lot --
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This high trail traverses a ridge in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness near Skykomish. It has always been a favorite of mine for the "shoulder season," when the snow has arrived on the higher peaks, but has usually not piled up enough to put the forest roads and the 4300-foot trailhead out of reach. And in some dry years, fall lingers long enough here to see the colors that vibrantly coat the meadows along the ridge. This trip may vary depending on the snowline elevation and depth, so it could be a hike or possibly a snowshoe or some combination of both. If the weather cooperates, there are great views at the high wilderness peaks like Mt. Daniel, Hinman, Malachite Peak, and scores more.
Expected Conditions:
This trip will depend on where the snow line is, and how much snow there is at elevations below 4000 feet. The Tonga Ridge Trailhead is at 4300 feet, and if the road is driveable to there, or fairly close to there, then we'll go to Tonga Ridge. As of October 20, the road was driveable to the trailhead, but a lot can happen in the meantime. If the snow line prevents driving anywhere near Tonga Trailhead, we'll instead hike the Necklace Valley Trail down in the Foss River Valley (below 2000 foot-level). So, conditions could vary from snow-free trail (no special gear) to thinly covered snow and ice (hike in traction devices) to deep powder snow (snowshoeing). It's a mystery, but I'll try to prepare you for success regardless.
Other Considerations:
I will try to provide an update on expected conditions, and the likely mode of travel, on or around November 5th or 6th. You may be able to find current trip reports by following things on WTA or All Trails. Note that thesee trip reports may refer to climbing Mount Sawyer, which would NOT necessarily be on our agenda.
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