Rainier views, and a grind — Norse Peak! 🏔️

This Saturday we're heading out toward Norse Peak — a steady, switchback-heavy climb through beautiful subalpine forest and alpine meadows bursting with purple lupine, paintbrush, and avalanche lilies (depending on the season). On a clear day the summit delivers sweeping, panoramic views of Mount Rainier and the surrounding ridges. It's a long, exposed grind — but the payoff is absolutely worth it. 🥾

📍 Hike Details (from AllTrails)
Trail: Norse Peak Trail
Distance: ~10.3 miles
Elevation Gain: ~3,238 ft
Route Type: Out & back
Difficulty: Hard
Estimated time: 6.5–7 hours of hiking (plus breaks)
Pass required: Yes — Northwest Forest Pass / America the Beautiful Pass for the trailhead.

⚠️ Trail Notes:

• Steady climb: Lots of switchbacks on steeper terrain — supportive boots and trekking poles will help you feel stable.
• Little shade up high: The upper slopes are quite exposed to the warm sun. Pack plenty of water and sun protection.
• Trail forks: Recent hikers recommend staying on the horse trail where the trail splits — it helped at a few junctions.
• Burn scars: Parts of the route pass through old burn areas and can feel repetitive; the summit views make up for it.
• Cell service: Spotty at best. Download your offline map before we leave!

🚗 Schedule & Meeting (Saturday)

• 7:00 AM – Meet at Green Lake Park & Ride (NE 65th St & I-5, Seattle)
• 7:15 AM – Carpool departs promptly
• ~8:15 AM – Pit stop at Safeway – 152 Roosevelt Ave E, Enumclaw, WA 98022 (bathrooms / snacks / coffee / supplies)
• ~9:15 AM – Arrive at trailhead
• ~9:30 AM – Start hiking 🥾
• ~4:30–5:30 PM – Back to cars
• ~7:00–8:00 PM – Estimated return to Green Lake P&R

🎒 What to Bring

• ✅ Hiking boots (sturdy, good traction for steep switchbacks)
• ✅ Trekking poles (strongly recommended for the climb and descent)
• ✅ 2+ liters of water (more if it's hot — exposed upper slopes)
• ✅ Lunch + snacks
• ✅ Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses (very exposed up high)
• ✅ Layers (can be windy and cool at the summit)
• ✅ Rain jacket — in case we run into any occasional showers
• ✅ Download offline map (AllTrails recommended — limited cell service)
• ✅ Northwest Forest Pass / America the Beautiful Pass
• ✅ Change of shoes/clothes for post-hike comfort
• ✅ Headlamp (just in case we're slower than expected)
• 🐕 Dogs welcome (on leash!) — this trail is dog-friendly

💰 Cost Sharing
To cover gas and vehicle wear & tear:

• $20 per person if we have 3 riders per car
• $30 per person if we have 2 riders per car

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. This is a long, strenuous, exposed route — please only join if you're comfortable with steep terrain and a full day out.