We drove up to Blewett Pass to snowshoe along Wenatchee Crest. This is a great one to do when the avalanche danger makes other mountain hikes too dangerous as it crosses no avalanche slopes. We did 7.5 miles with an overall gain of 770ft. We started around 8:30 and were happy to see some blue sky before the predicted storm clouds moved in. We were also happy to see a nice packed trail from earlier in the week. We didn't see anyone else on the trail until we were hiking back, and only 2 skiers and 5 other snowshoers.
At the first opening through the trees to the west, we could see Mount Stuart and some Teanaway Peaks. There are more open viewpoints further down the ridge, but by that time the clouds had covered Mount Stuart.
zoom of a storm cloud over Mount Stuart
We enjoyed the nearby rolling hills covered in snow.
We were pleasanty surprised to see some larches were still holding on to their golden needles in December.
Beside the packed down trail, there was lot of nice fluffy fresh snow!
As the morning continued, the clouds descended, obscuring most of the views.
When we reached the split in the road about 3 miles from the parking area, we choose the left fork, which dead ended due to lots of brush, so we headed up a nearby hill. Here we were in the clouds and it began to snow!
As we snowshoed back along the ridge, the clouds lifted for some views of the closer ridge lines.
Back at the saddle, we could see the sun breaking through the clouds to the southeast.
Such a lovely day on Wenatchee Crest, while it was raining over most of Western Washington
View of Diamond Head to the east.
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