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Hike the PNW, Enjoy finding new hikes and re-discovering old favorites.
Upcoming events (2)
See all- Dishpan Gap | Crimson CarpetsNorth Fork Skykomish Trailhead, Skykomish, WA
Crimson Tide
Dishpan Gap is a 5,600-foot notch in the crest of the Central Cascade Mountains located at the headwaters of the North Fork Skykomish River. This mile-high divide separating eastern Washington from western Washington is covered in a luxuriant carpet of wild blueberry bushes - setting the ground afire in crimson every autumn.Sprawling meadows that once danced with a dazzling display of brilliant wildflowers under the summer sun up and down the Cascade Crest are now being overtaken by a crimson tide - that fiery wave of fall foliage that rolls through the Pacific Northwest like a slow-motion blaze. Streaks of scarlet stretch across miles of open alpine meadows - complemented by touches of yellow from an assortment of accompanying shrubs. This dazzling show is available for a limited time only.
The plan is to day hike to Dishpan Gap. Foliage is wonderful and alpine views even better! We will feast on berries and savor horizon spanning views of waves of jagged peaks and rows of gently rolling ridges.
Hike Stats
Distance: 18 mile roundtrip
Route Type: Out and Back
Elevation Gain: 3500'
Elevation Range: 2500' to 5600'
Difficulty Level: ModerateThis hike is not technically challenging, but is physically demanding - long mileage and steady climbs make it a workout. Endurance required. Perfect for hikers who are fit and experienced, but don’t want scrambling or exposure. Not recommended for beginners.
Trail Map
WTA
Ten Essential ItemsTrailhead Location
North Fork Skykomish Trailhead
National Forest Service Road 63,
Skykomish, WA 98288
GPS: 47.92681, -121.27717Itinerary
0630 - 0700 | Arrive at the Trailhead
0700 | Boots on the trail
1700 | Back at the Trailhead
Estimated Hiking Time | 10 hours, including breaks.
Moderate Pace.Logistics
We will meet directly at the trailhead at the first light of the day per the schedule above. Hikers can self-organize carpools from any location, as needed. Use the messaging system and comment section below to coordinate transportation to and from the trailhead. Seattle area hikers should begin driving no later than 5 AM (average one-way driving time: 2 hours). A Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beautiful Pass is required to park a vehicle at this trailhead.Getting There
Nearest Town: Skykomish, WA
From Skykomish, take Highway 2 Eastbound for about 0.8 miles, turning left on Beckler River Road (NF-65). Continue 11 miles past the campground as the pavement ends and turns to gravel. At Jack Pass take the second left to stay on NF-65. At the second junction with NF-63 turn right and drive 2 miles, then continue right and down away from the Blanca Lake Trailhead, toward the North Fork Skykomish Trailhead at the end of the road.Disclaimer
This hike traverses rugged terrain, remote wilderness areas, and potentially variable weather conditions. Before committing, please carefully evaluate your physical fitness, experience level, and preparedness.I am not a guide. By choosing to participate, you acknowledge the inherent risks of backcountry travel and accept full responsibility for your safety and decisions. You expressly consent to release, hold harmless, and indemnify the event host from any and all claims, liabilities, damages, or expenses, including those arising from personal injury or property damage.
- Plummer's Peak + High Lakes Loop + Nerada Falls - Mt. Rainier Paradise!Wilburton Park and Ride, Bellevue, WA
We will combine 3 short hikes in the Paradise section of Mount Rainier National Park into a loop. We'll start at Reflection Lake, head down the Pinnacle Peak trail to Plummer's Peak, come back and then hike to Faraway Rock at the Mazama Ridge Overlook, continue west along High Lakes Trail, and then finish with the Narada Falls loop, ending back at Reflection Lake. We'll see alpine lakes, wildflowers, beautiful views of Mt. Rainier, and waterfalls.
This hike will be moderately difficult, clocking in at around 8 miles in total, with ~2500 ft. of elevation gain.
We'll be making friends, staying fit, being polite and having fun!
We will first meet at the Wilburton P&R. Carpooling is encouraged but you are welcome to meet us at Pinnacle Peak Trailhead (46.768, -121.731).
We'll be making friends, staying fit, and having fun!
Hike Info
Difficulty: Hard
Length: ~8 miles
Elevation Gain: ~2500 feet
Highest Elevation: ~6300 ft.
Location: Just south of Mt. Rainier (Paradise)
Road: Highway all the wayParking Permit
National Park Pass or America the Beautiful Pass. See: Passes and Permits for Hiking — Washington Trails Association.Attendance
We try to keep our group size to around 10 - 20 (more or less) as a courtesy to other hikers on the trail, and to reduce crowds and cars in the parking lot. The Going list may have a larger number to accommodate no-shows.Folks on the Wait list may not attend until they are moved to the Going list. When folks drop from the Going list, people are added from the Wait list.
Carpooling
We will limit total attendees while drivers are selected from the Wait list. Drivers will be placed first as Going, and then we will fill with passengers as space allows, so everyone who comes to the P&R has a ride to the trail.Riders MUST reimburse drivers for gas. It's a 2-hour drive each way, so reimburse a minimum of $45 if one rider, $25 for two riders, and $20 for three riders. Cash is preferred, or Venmo or Zelle.
What to Bring
Athletic clothing & rain gear
Hiking shoes/boots
Water, snacks & lunch
Swimsuit (if you want to swim)
Sun protection
Bug spray
Ten hiking essentialsSchedule
7:00 am: Meet at the Wilburton P&R (OK to bring morning coffee and breakfast)
7:10 am: Drive to Pinnacle Peak Trailhead, with an optional stop at Safeway in Graham.
~ 9:45 am: Arrive at trailhead
~ 6-7 hours of hiking with stops for food, photos
~ 5 pm: Back at trailhead
-> Stop for food / coffee on way back (optional)
~ 7:30 pm: Arrive back at Wilburton P&R (later if stopping)Links
Plummer Peak via Pinnacle Peak Trail: AllTrails | WTA
High Lakes Loop: AllTrails | WTA
Narada Falls Loop: AllTrails | WTAAttendees: Be sure to update your status if things change so others can attend.
Disclaimer: When you RSVP and attend this hike you are accepting that you are fully aware that you are responsible for your own safety. You agree to release, hold harmless, and indemnify the hike host from any claims, liabilities, or expenses arising from any injury or damage. Always be aware of your own physical abilities and go on this hike prepared.
