pilchuck trail report and gear review

[Stickerbush]

Went up to the lookout for my first time, water and snow half way up with mist and wind blowing. Tried out some trekking poles Yukon brand or something that came with snowshoes at Costco. Worked pretty good, can't imagine scrambling up the packed snow without them. Also had some cheap spikes that did pretty good.

Was nice to see a volunteer group up there restoring a road that was getting washed out. Using pick axes and shovels! Friends of public use or public access I think they were called

[NW-GSP]

I was thinking about hiking up there in a couple of weeks, how,was the road up to the parking spot.

[Stickerbush]

Some potholes and basically a big speed bump where the road is trying to wash out. Folks were getting up there in sedans

[jackelope]

 If it snows (ever) you can't drive to the parking lot. You guys might already know that I guess but if you don't, it would stink to drive all the way out there and have a hike twice as long as what you are expecting.

[timberghost72]

The lower gate at Heather Lake usually closes on New Years Day every year Unless there is a ton of snow. This year obviously very light snow so lots of opportunities still. It's a 6 mile road walk to the Pilchuck Trail head from the lower gate. There is also an upper gate at about 6 miles that was tried out but *censored* bags in past have tried to chain up and pull that open so now it's usually the lower gate that gets closed. You can always call the Verlot Ranger Station/Public Service Center for road/trail info. Take advantage of it while its still open. Very rare this time of year and worth the hike.

[Stickerbush]

I saw some trip reports on WTA and knew that the road was open at least. That would suck to have to hike twice as far!