First 2019 SVTC Hike

Not like Tiger 3: We had to go around or over many downed trees on the trail.

Today I went on my first Snoqualmie Valley Trails Club hike in 2019. I haven't hiked with the group for at least two years due to fatigue from my prostate cancer treatments and my lack of exercise following treatments, which ended at the end of March, 2017. But I have been hiking this year and feeling like I was up to SVTC standards. Well, as it turned out, just barely.

We hiked Cougar Mountain, along an area proposed for clear-cut near the De Leo Wall, a stone outcrop that defines the clear-cut target area.

Two days earlier I had just ascended 2,000 feet over 3 miles one way to Tiger Mountain's Trail #3 summit, so I thought I was in good shape. This hike promised  a 5-mile trek and 1,000 feet of elevation, but I found it much more challenging. Part of the reason was that the trail was narrower, much steeper at the ascent, and with greater obstacles -- fallen trees, soft clay soils, and, steep banks, and at times, a combination of the three. The day was lightly overcast, but there was rain at times.

We met at the Margaret's Way Trailhead parking lot and car pooled to the trailhead. I rode in an electric vehicle driven by Cheryl. On the passenger front seat was Dennis. Individuals I met who rode in other vehicles included Jerry someone I had met before; and Laurie, Ernie, Etti, Dick and Bonnie. Etti and Ernie were both of German descent. Ralph Owen, 83, led the hike at a "moderate slow" pace that left me winded at times and wondering whether my legs would tire out.

This large rock near our lunch spot was festooned with licorice ferns.

The hike ascended past a waterfall and along deep gulches. Just before lunch we ascended a steep portion that passed a rock covered with Licorice Fern (Polypodium glycyrrhiza). According to the Fancy Fronds Nursery Web site,  this plant is a familiar sight in the Pacific Northwest forest on big-leaf maples, logged-off stumps, moss encrusted rocks and roadside banks. It prefers areas where moss tends to naturally grow and protect its root system.  Ferns in this genus produce a significant amount of glucose in their rhizome, giving the root a sweet, licorice-like taste that is sometimes used in native folk medicine.  The high sugar levels also protect this fern from damage by winter cold, enabling it to stay green through the coldest part of the winter.  

Near the highest point of your hike we entered Newcastle.

Near the peak of our hike, a trail marker indicated we had entered Newcastle. We had ascended far enough to come into contact with top-of-the-hill homes (see photo below). As we descended, we realized that Ralph had led us not only cross-country for a short bit, but also in a circle that returned us to a fallen log which we had climbed over in the earlier part of the trip. We changed direction and made it back to our cars.

The residences near the top of the hike included this tree house close to the trail

Statistics for the day:

Distance: 5.5 miles
Elevation gain: 1,200 feet (we climbed higher than planned)
Conditions: Cool, mostly overcast, with light rain that was steady toward the end.
Load: About 18 pounds.
:

Statistics, year to date:

Distance: 15.1 miles

Elevation gain: 5,200 feet