Hike Log

Mt. Pilchuck winter route

Trailhead:

Mount Pilchuck TH

Type of Hike:

Day hike

Trail Conditions:

Trail in good condition

ROAD:

Road recommended for high clearance only

Bugs:

No bugs

Snow:

Trail snow-covered at times – Gear and expertise recommended

We have ventured to Mount Pilchuck again this year in June, as we very much enjoy hiking the trail in snow. The road to the TH is full of potholes per usual, but the worst are really near Heather Lake TH. On Friday morning, parking lot at Mount Pilchuck was mostly empty with few cars. Trail clear of snow for the first mile, then the snow starts. From here it is snow only with rocks & boulders near the summit. We brought hiking poles and spikes which definitely made the climb easier. From where the snow starts you pretty much head straight up towards the summit that is clearly visible. Last year we were able to pretty much do the summer route near the summit and get to the summit shelter from the proper way and climbing the ladder. This year, that route is nonexistent which meant for us that we had to approach the shelter from the ridge and climb over several giant boulders and rocks. The climb was little bit sketchy as we were facing sheer drop offs most of the way on the ridge. We have found small dog tied to a tree in the middle of these boulders, puppy was clearly distressed, no water, no food and crying, no leash, collar or anything else. Empty beer cans around. My first thought was that somebody abandoned him on the mountain. As we were close to the shelter, we have split up, I was staying with the puppy giving him water and trying to console him, my husband Ethan went to the shelter to ask if owner might be there. He was able to locate the owners – young couple who were taking selfies for Instagram at the shelter while their puppy was tied to a tree and crying. I will never understand what those people were thinking. We have told them about the puppy being stressed and scared but they just dismissed our concerns. I was ready to adopt the puppy or at least rescue him of the mountain. After some time at the shelter we have descended down the same way.

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