Hike Island Lake area (Hard hike)

This hike is for experienced and fit hikers only.
Beware, 730 is the departure time from the park and ride.

Alltrails links:

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/island-lake-trail?u=i&sh=7wsuoq

This 4.7 star hike is rated hard by alltrails, 10 miles, 3000 ft elevation gain.

Warning: We will start from the parking area off exit 42. The forest road to Ira Springs trailhead has been closed on and off. This will add 2 miles and 600 ft elevation gain to the alltrails data.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/XmJZJWQiNRDEsDD89

Directions include Huxdotter stop.

If you have not hiked similar distances with similar elevation gain regularly and recently, please message me before signing up. This is a strenuous hike. We will hike at a pace of about 20-30 min/mile. If you private message me on the app and you set your privacy settings to block anyone from responding, I will not be able to reply.

Please read recent reports on alltrails and WTA for details.

Please download the Alltrails map on your phone or download Gaia GPS or similar to navigate. Be ready to navigate only by GPS without cell connection. Coverage in the mountains is sporadic at best.

We will hike rain or shine. I will keep an eye on the weather and let you know by Friday evening. The hike will be cancelled, rescheduled or modified only for dangerous snow conditions or dangerous weather.

This is an all-day event. We will be back in Seattle early evening approximately.

Transportation:

The trip from the park and ride to the trailhead is about 45 miles.

Please arrive early, so we can organize the carpool, load up the cars and leave the park and ride by 730.

Riders:

CARPOOLING IS ENCOURAGED: Use the comments below to arrange rides. Be aware: occasionally, we are unable to accommodate all the riders. Arrive early.

Riders, please bring $20 for your driver towards gas, park entrance fees etc. (Pay your Driver when you enter their car! Thank you).

Also, riders, please stay with your driver during the hike, so that your driver does not have to wait for you at the trailhead. Please be considerate.

Drivers:

Please indicate if you are willing to drive and how many can you fit in the comments below.

You may meet at the Green Lake park and ride at 730, or at the trailhead (from Alltrails link) ETA 900. Please let me know if you are planning on meeting the group at the trailhead.

Parking Fee: please bring your Discovery pass, Northwest Forest pass or America the beautiful pass, just in case we have to change the plan.

Breakfast/pitstop:

Huxdotter in North Bend.

Things to Bring for the hike:
I expect a lot of soft snow remaining in the Island lake basin. Wear comfortable hiking boots preferably water resistant, hiking sticks, microspikes, water and food for the day. Snowshoes might be needed.

For after the hike, bring a change of clothes, socks and shoes and a plastic bag to place your boots in after the hike.

After the hike, we will stop at a local restaurant to support small businesses.

North Bend has a variety of restaurants.

You will need to pay for your food and activities while on this trip.

Important:

You and you alone are responsible for your own safety. Please know your abilities before signing up.

***As far as this event system goes, participation is voluntary and you attend at your own risk, and that Organizers are indemnified.