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Smithbrook Road
Stevens Pass
| March 29, 2008 - A Mountaineers snowshoe tour. It was a pretty day as we
hiked along the Smithbrook Road through beautiful woods, cutting one
switchback in a short but steep climb. We left the road at the hairpin
turn, traveling cross country through powdery snow that was in some
places over knee deep. Breaking trail in these conditions is difficult
for a small group, and we made slow progress. We reached a pretty
clearing (elevation 4500’) with a view of the surrounding mountains
around 1:00 pm. Although we were only a short distance from the PCT and
about 1 mile from our destination, Lake Valhalla, we decided that the
prudent thing would be to eat lunch and turn around at that point. The
return trip was much easier and faster, and we made good time. The
steep incline where we had cut the switchback earlier gave us the
opportunity to practice the plunge step, which can be a lot of fun once
you get the hang of it. The weather turned snowy just as we reached our
cars.
1300' elevation gain Approximately 6 miles roundtrip
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