26.11.2017
Very, very wet. It had been raining for a few days and began to rain halfway through the hike. Water was just everywhere on the trail, puddles, pools, streams. We slipped and sloshed.
A couple of the creek/stream crossings had washed out, forcing us to bushwhack up and down to find a place to cross. The worst was on the upper loop at 49.33667, -122.75021 - pic is attached. We managed to get across on the debris with some acrobatics but if you have poor balance and/or cannot jump you would need to find another point to cross.
With all the rain, the waterfalls were in full flow and quite impressive. Unfortunately sitting and having lunch by Sawblade as we have done in previous months was out of the question - just too much cold spray.
With all the water, those of us without quality waterproof gear eventually got soaked. Aside from the general misery of wet clothing, in single-digit temperatures this became a real concern as we began to get cold. It took us 4 hours out and back. Had it taken any longer, I think we would have had to break into our emergency supplies and start using mylar blankets, even make a fire.
If you do this hike and rain is a possibility, be sure your waterproof gear is waterproof. It might not be the backcountry but being cold and wet and up a mountain is no joke. I wouldn't do this again in the winter without gear I could rely on.
Despite our misadventures, this is a great forest hike, a good workout, and the waterfalls are great. The view at the powerline clearing is good - on a clear day, it's awesome.
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