Mount Pilchuck Washington 9122024

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9/12/2024 • Fire lookouts are a unique feature, although not exclusively, of the PNW mountains. They witnessed the evolution of PNW's logging industry and have stories to tell. Not to mention, by definition, they offer unparalleled 360° views. Some of the decommissioned watchtowers are well maintained by volunteers. Mount Pilchuck is a prime example. • I happened to climb Mount Pilchuck on a zero-visibility day. But the moisture in the air, the moss on the rocks, and the softball-sized mushrooms... everything on the trail is the complete opposite of the desert where I live. So I enjoyed the first hike of this road trip tremendously, especially after a long, dry, record-breaking hot summer in Vegas. • When I reached the summit, the lookout was already occupied by a group who camped there overnight, which is allowed. They spoke a language that sounds like Russian. So I asked one of them Are you Russian? He replied, No, Ukrainian. Nyet, can't fool me. I was aware that PNW has a sizable Russian community due to its similar climate. Just didn't expect to meet them on my first hike. The ongoing war must have put them in an awkward situation, so his response to me is understandable. • I finished the hike in the morning, and moved on to my second hike in the afternoon. • Here's my The Enchanted Washington Road Trip playlist -- • The Enchanted Washington Road Trip (S... • ======================= The Enchanted Washington Road Trip ======================= • During Covid lockdown I read about the Enchantments in WSJ. I heard the name before, but the fact that this beloved hideaway of Seattleites got WSJ's attention got my attention. So I made a mental note. Finally in 2024 I set aside a week and booked the flight to check it out. • The Enchantments by itself, although popular among backpackers, does not pack enough day hikes for my itinerary. So I added a handful of hikes to string together a road trip. • The following is the itinerary -- • Day 1 (9/11/2024, Wed) • fly: LAS to SEA • drive: SEA to Mt Pilchuck TH • overnight: Mt Pilchuck TH • Day 2 (9/12/2024, Thu) • hike: Mt Pilchuck • hike: Heather Lake • overnight: Lake Serene TH • Day 3 (9/13/2024, Fri) • hike: Lake Serene Bridal Veil Falls • overnight: Stuart Lake TH • Day 4 (9/14/2024, Sat) • hike: The Enchantments • overnight: Stuart Lake TH • Day 5 (9/15/2024, Sun) • tour: Leavenworth, WA • overnight: Kendall Katwalk TH • Day 6 (9/16/2024, Mon) • hike: Kendall Katwalk Kendall Peak • overnight: Lake Ingalls TH • Day 7 (9/17/2024, Tue) • hike: Lake Ingalls • overnight: Kendall Katwalk TH • Day 8 (9/18/2024, Wed) • drive: Kendall Katwalk TH to SEA • fly: SEA to LAS • Here's the overall stats of the 8-day road trip -- • Total miles driven = 499 • Total miles hiked = 55.2 • Total elevation gain/loss = 17,215' • Total expense = $493.53 • A few observations from a week of hiking in the Pacific Northwest -- • 1. Mushroom hunting: I didn't know it's a thing, but mushroom hunting is a popular activity on the trail. It's not just a Native American tradition. I saw Russian hikers do it. I saw Chinese hikers do it. Everyone is doing it. I need to look up mushroom recipes. • 2. Russian hikers: PNW draws Russian immigrants and they hike too. I heard Russian language spoken often on the trail. • 3. Thank you Safeway: This supermarket chain is well established in Washington state. After each day hike I was able to find a Safeway for dinner and freshen-up, even in small towns like Lake Stevens, Monroe, Leavenworth, and Cle Elum.

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