2010 Hikes

Sunday, October 10, 2010
Merritt Lake
6 miles round trip, 2000 ft elevation
This month's hike will be to Merritt Lake, which takes off from Hwy 2 on the north side of the road. Climb up and up with views of the valley and surrounding hills. It's 6 miles round trip to the lake with 2000ft elevation gain. Wenatcheeoutdoors.org says this is a great hike to see the fall colors!
WenatcheeOutdoors.org Trail Description

Sunday, September 5, 2010
Minotaur & Theseus Lakes
5 miles round trip, 2000 ft elevation
The trail to Minotaur Lake is classified by the forest service as a "route" more than a trail. That is, don't expect fancy things like switchbacks. But huckleberry bushes line the route in many places and two miles from the trailhead is a beautiful lake circled by tall firs and rocky slopes. 500 feet beyond the lake there's a viewpoint of Theseus Lake. If the weather is good and we're all up to it, another mile and 900 feet of elevation gain will lead us to the top of Labyrinth Mountain - and views of Poet Ridge, the Cascade Crest, and more.
WenatcheeOutdoors.org Trail Description Pictures of Minotaur & Theseus Lakes

Sunday, August 8, 2010
Lake Valhalla
6 miles round trip, 1000 ft elevation
Lake Valhalla is located along the famous Pacific Crest Trail, which stretches from Mexico to Canada. Last year there were a few snow patches left above the lake into July, but many have also said that this shallow lake heats up quickly and is good for swimming. A picturesque rocky peak sits as Valhalla's backdrop to complete the scene.
WenatcheeOutdoors.org Trail Description

SATURDAY, July 3, 2010
Stuart Lake
9 miles round trip, 1500 ft elevation
Stuart Lake Trail shares the first 2.5 miles with the Colchuck Lake trail. Where the trail splits and the Colchuck Lake Trail takes off to the left, Stuart Lake Trail continues up the valley. It's a moderate hike, and though a few miles longer than last month's Heather Lake it will be a much easier hike due to the lack of snow! There's at least one waterfall along the way, and we expect the wildflowers to be blooming up at the lake. If you've never been to Stuart Lake before you're in for a treat! It's beautiful country with big boulders and a view of Mt. Stuart reflecting in the water.
WTA Trail Description for Stuart Lake

Sunday, June 6, 2010
Heather Lake
6.5 miles round trip, 1200 ft elevation
This week we will be hiking up to Heather lake. Alicia was up there Monday and there was a lot of snow left on the trail, so bring your good boots, wool socks, and trekking poles if you have them! The hike itself is beautiful, especially with all the runoff from melting snow. Because of the location out past Lake Wenatchee and the extra time to hike because of the conditions, expect to be out there most of the day.
WA Trails Association Hike Description

Sunday, May 2, 2010
Sauer Mountain
5 miles round trip, 1800 ft elevation
Sorry - The Myrtle Lake trail we'd hoped for is still snowed in! But this looks to be a beautiful hike up Sauer Mountain outside of Peshastin. The wildflowers are gorgeous up there this time of year and we'll enjoy views of the mountains out toward Leavenworth and even Glacier Peak. Please note that we'll be meeting at the Park-n-Ride at Old Station in Wenatchee from now on! :)
WenatcheeOutdoors.org Trail Description

Saturday, April 3, 2010
Lone Pine Canyon/Davies Canyon
3-4 miles, mild-moderate elevation gain, exploring as long or as short as we want

Walk along a dirt road for a short ways and choose among many side trails up Lone Pine and Davies Canyons. This open trail starts at the end of the pavement at the Colockum Game Worden's house, and is often a favorite of hunters in the fall for spotting deer, elk, bighorn sheep, and other game. We found a lot of tracks up there on a recent exploration. Expect open sage brush-covered hills, views of the Columbia River and the Palisades, volcanic rock formations, a cave, and wildflowers! Please note that this hike is on Saturday, not Sunday, because of Easter!!
Photos of Lone Pine Canyon