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Absolutely beautiful! I brought crampons, a trekking pole, mountaineering axe, plenty of water, an emergency shelter and lots of layers. Def MUST use gps like Gaia to keep on the trail with this much snow. It was only about 6 inches to start but by mile 2 it was solidly a foot of powdery not stompable snow…and then by mile 3 it was ridiculously to my knees of fluffiness, not post holing at all as nothing tamped down. Bring snow shoes! It’s a great alpine mountaineering route finding trail for those with experience! Please either know what you’re doing and have an emergency gps device in case needed OR come with people experienced for these alpine climbs. It was absolutely joyous if you love this kind of thing! And no one at all around for miles!
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The loop is a classic, that’s why it’s an FKT too. You can be super quick on their surface. Some volcanic sections exposed but that go back into tree tree line. Shade. Solid ups and down and some sprint stuff along the final three miles on bike path..
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You’re going to posthole even with snowshoes. I’d recommend a start earlier than 6am or bring skis. I ended up losing my snowshoes and a hiking pole on this mountain! If anyone sees a black diamond hiking pole and a pair of highlander elite snowshoes (designed in the French Alps) let me know! Otherwise, the views are great! It’s worth the climb and the postholing.
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Nike hike. Only a couple down trees, not a big deal. Great for dogs. Pretty flat hike, especially the first half. Did it as a day hike.
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Nice hike. Did it as a day hike. 6.3 miles each way according to GPS. Great for dogs. Pretty flat especially the first half. A couple small creek crossing.
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Be prepared for it taking a long time if no skin track! One of our party had snowshoes and was oostholing a lot. He averaged 1mph up. Skiers at best were 2 mph avg. usually under that. Don’t take a lot of weight in. Make sure you have good emergency gear if you can’t make it to the cabin. The road to the trailhead was closed so add another 1.5 miles. Not even a good 4wd would make it. About 20 inch deep. Good luck and have fun. Stay safe
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Easy access with 2WD 15 passenger van. Large parking area makes turn around easy. Well marked trail head from the parking area.
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Tried to fish Rainbow Creek but it was to small. Nice bike ride. Take the trails
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