Northwest Hikers 55 Plus

Come for the bright colors and, maybe, berries. Slowly climb this south-facing trail through second growth timber into open meadows of huckleberries. Views of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness are spectacular. Bring rain gear and wear bright colors. Where there are berries, there are usually bears, and there may be bear hunters, as well. This hike is ~11 miles roundtrip with about 2700' elevation gain (when all the ups & downs are considered). https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/tonga-ridge https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/fisher-lake https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mbs/recarea/?recid=17918 -Meet at 8:45am and be ready to hike by 9:00am -Hike group will be capped at 5 -Trail description says there's a backcountry toilet behind the TH sign on the right -Social pace -Proper social distancing will be practiced on trail at all times. Masks need not be worn while hiking but have something to cover your nose and mouth if we encounter other hikers on a section of the trail where we can't get 6' off to the side. -Note that My 25 lb, 11 yo labradoodle will be with us 🐕 -Let me know if you plan to bring a dog at least couple days in advance so I can let others know. If your dog can't stay with you and on the trail, plan to keep your dog on-leash.

Come for the bright colors and, maybe, berries. Slowly climb this south-facing trail through second growth timber into open meadows of huckleberries. Views of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness are spectacular. Bring rain gear and wear bright colors. Where there are berries, there are usually bears, and there may be bear hunters, as well. This hike is ~11 miles roundtrip with about 2700' elevation gain (when all the ups & downs are considered). https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/tonga-ridge https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/fisher-lake https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mbs/recarea/?recid=17918 -Meet at 9:15am and be ready to hike by 9:30am -Hike group will be capped at 5 -Trail description says there's a backcountry toilet behind the TH sign on the right -Social pace -Proper social distancing will be practiced on trail at all times. Masks need not be worn while hiking but have something to cover your nose and mouth if we encounter other hikers on a section of the trail where we can't get 6' off to the side. -Let me know if you plan to bring a dog at least couple days in advance so I can let others know. If your dog can't stay with you and on the trail, plan to keep your dog on-leash.

Called one of the crown jewels of the Cascades: an idyllic, flat-bottomed valley through which the milky meltwaters of nearby glaciers carve a lazy, winding path beneath larch-dotted ridges and snowy giants. This little slice of heaven is the Napeequa River Valley, and even its most accessible viewpoint – Little Giant Pass – is guarded by a river ford too dangerous to cross for nine months out of every year. (https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/little-giant) At this time, the water is expected to be knee to mid-calf deep. Bring foot wear to use for crossing the river. Trip reports says that these shoes can be left on the opposite bank. This picture shows the river crossing on Oct 6, 2019 (https://tinyurl.com/LittleGiantCrossing). On[masked], I visited the trailhead and took this video of the river crossing: https://youtu.be/kbmeJ25cU20 - The panoramic views of fall colors are the point of this hike. Hence, if the weather forecast indicates rain or poor visibility, this hike will be postponed until Saturday Oct 3 or cancelled. - Washington state Covid-19 guideliness will be followed. - 🐕 Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash. Be aware that the river water at the crossing is very cold and that's why I'm not bringing my own dog this time. On Friday night, I'll be camping at a nearby Forest Service campground and you are welcome to join me. If you prefer flush toilets, Lake Wenatchee State Park is not far away. The WDFW pamphlet indicates the date of this hike coincides open season for raffle permits (deer, bear, cougar) and general season for other big games (via archery & muzzle loader). This hike is in game management unit, GMU 245. In case is makes a difference to you, just thought you should know. http://www.eregulations.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/20WAHD-LR4.pdf

Called one of the crown jewels of the Cascades: an idyllic, flat-bottomed valley through which the milky meltwaters of nearby glaciers carve a lazy, winding path beneath larch-dotted ridges and snowy giants. This little slice of heaven is the Napeequa River Valley, and even its most accessible viewpoint – Little Giant Pass – is guarded by a river ford too dangerous to cross for nine months out of every year. (https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/little-giant) At this time, the water is expected to be knee to mid-calf deep. Bring foot wear to use for crossing the river. Trip reports says that these shoes can be left on the opposite bank. This picture shows the river crossing on Oct 6, 2019 (https://tinyurl.com/LittleGiantCrossing). On[masked], I visited the trailhead and took this video of the river crossing: https://youtu.be/kbmeJ25cU20 - The panoramic views of fall colors are the point of this hike. Hence, if the weather forecast indicates rain or poor visibility, this hike will be postponed until Saturday Oct 3 or cancelled. - Washington state Covid-19 guideliness will be followed. - 🐕 Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash. Be aware that the river water at the crossing is very cold and hunting season is open. The WDFW pamphlet indicates the date of this hike coincides open season for raffle permits (deer, bear, cougar) and general season for other big games (via archery & muzzle loader). This hike is in game management unit, GMU 245. In case is makes a difference to you, just thought you should know. http://www.eregulations.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/20WAHD-LR4.pdf