🌵 Meystre Canyon Loop – Escape the Rainy Weather!

Let's chase some Sun while western WA gets drizzly. we're heading east of the mountains to Meystre Canyon Loop near Yakima. This is a challenging, gorgeous desert hike with sweeping views, and zero shade — so bring that sunscreen. What goes up must come down (steeply!), so bring poles and sturdy boots.

📍 Hike Details (from AllTrails)

• Trail: Meystre Canyon Loop
• Distance: ~7.5 miles
• Elevation Gain: ~3,349 ft
• Difficulty: Moderate - Hard
• Route Type: Loop
• Estimated time: 6–6.5 hours
• Pass Required: Discover Pass (required for parking at Oak Creek Wildlife Area)

> ⚠️ Trail notes: Desert terrain, zero shade, wildflowers. Trail can be unclear at times — download the map beforehand. The descent is steep and slippery; trekking poles and sturdy boots highly recommended.

🚗 Schedule & Meeting (Saturday, May 16th)

• 7:00 AM – Meet at Green Lake Park & Ride (NE 65th St & I-5, Seattle)
  Carpool and depart promptly
• 8:30 AM – Quick stop at Safeway in Cle Elum (804 W 1st St, Cle Elum, WA 98922) – bathrooms/snacks/coffee
• 10:00 AM – Arrive at trailhead / start hiking 🥾
• 1:00 PM – Summit / scenic lunch with sweeping views 🌼
• 4:00 PM – Back to cars
• 7:00 PM – Estimated return to Green Lake P&R (later if we stop along the way)

> Eastside folks: Feel free to self-arrange carpools from a convenient Park & Ride (Issaquah, Eastgate, etc.) and meet us at the Safeway in Cle Elum or at the trailhead.

🎒 What to Bring

• Hiking boots (sturdy – steep and slippery sections)
• Trekking poles (strongly recommended for the descent)
• 2-3 liters of water (no shade, desert terrain)
• Lunch + snacks
• Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses (high sun exposure)
• Layers (can be breezy on ridges)
• Download offline map (intersecting trails can be confusing)
• Change of shoes, clothes, etc. for post-hike comfort

💰 Cost Sharing
$35 per person to cover gas and vehicle wear & tear. Cash or Venmo.

⚠️ Disclaimer
This is a group-organized hike, NOT a guided tour. The host is not a professional guide, trip leader, or outdoor expert. They are simply organizing a gathering of fellow hikers and are participating themselves.
You are solely responsible for your own safety, preparedness, and well-being throughout the entire event.