Escape the rain for desert terrain โ Tibbetts Mountain! ๐ต
Details
This Saturday we're heading over Stevens Pass to the dry side for Tibbetts Mountain via Hay Canyon โ a steep climb through golden hillside and desert sage, with panoramic views of the Wenatchee River and the southern Cascades. No shade, no rain, all sun โ which is exactly the point after weeks of drizzle. ๐ฅพ
๐ Hike Details (from AllTrails)
Trail: Tibbetts Mountain via Hay Canyon
Distance: ~7 miles
Elevation Gain: ~2,946 ft
Route Type: Out & back
Estimated time: 5.5โ6 hours of hiking (plus breaks)
Pass required: Northwest Forest Pass / America the Beautiful Pass
โ ๏ธ Trail Notes:
- No shade: The whole route is exposed. Bring more water than you think you need.
- Loose & slippery: Mostly loose dirt, and the downhill is the sketchier part โ poles strongly recommended.
- Route-finding: The trail is easy to follow until the loop near the top, where it can disappear. Downloaded offline map is essential.
- Wildlife: Stay alert โ rattlesnakes are possible on this dry ridge, even in cooler months. Keep dogs close and watch where you step.
- Crowds: Not crowded. Small lot.
- Cell service: Spotty. Download your offline map before we leave!
๐ Schedule & Meeting (Saturday)
- 6:30 AM โ Meet at Green Lake Park & Ride (NE 65th St & I-5, Seattle)
- 6:45 AM โ Carpool departs promptly
- ~7:25 AM โ Pit stop at Safeway โ 19651 US-2, Monroe, WA 98272 (bathrooms / snacks / coffee / supplies)
- ~9:30 AM โ Arrive at trailhead (Wet Hay Road)
- ~9:45 AM โ Start hiking ๐ฅพ
- ~3:30โ4:00 PM โ Back to cars
- ~6:00โ7:00 PM โ Estimated return to Green Lake P&R
๐ What to Bring
- โ Hiking boots (sturdy, good traction for loose dirt)
- โ Trekking poles (strongly recommended for the slippery descent)
- โ 2โ3+ liters of water โ no water on trail, full sun
- โ Lunch + snacks
- โ Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses (zero shade)
- โ Light layers + wind layer (ridge can be breezy)
- โ Rain jacket (just in case)
- โ Offline map downloaded (route-finding near the loop)
- โ Northwest Forest Pass / America the Beautiful Pass
- โ Change of shoes/clothes
- โ Headlamp โ sunset is early these days
- โ Stay alert for wildlife (rattlesnakes possible)
- ๐ Dogs welcome (on leash!)
๐ฐ Cost Sharing
- $25 per person if we have 3 riders per car
- $35 per person if we have 2 riders per car
Cash or Venmo.
โ ๏ธ Disclaimer
This is a group-organized hike, NOT a guided tour. The host is not a professional guide, trip leader, or outdoor expert โ just organizing fellow hikers and participating themselves. You are solely responsible for your own safety, preparedness, and well-being throughout the event. This is an exposed, loose-terrain route with no water โ please only join if you're comfortable with a long day out in the sun.
