Today, we had a somewhat light turnout for the weekly Baddlands snow shoe outing. Joining in the adventure today were Michael, Rick & Sue, Ben & Kami and Brent. Never sure of who may participate in these member outings so the original plan was to begin at the hairpin turn, head up trail 110 to Saddle Junction. At Saddle Junction we would continue on up trail 140 to the CCC lodge where we would have a little lunch and a bit of a history lesson on Mt Spokane. After that we would head over to the original ski lodge which burned down in 1952 to see the remnants. After doing this we would head back to Saddle Junction then continue down trail 140 to the new warming hut. After that the plan was to scale trail 100 back to the vehicles. All that being said, in consideration of who did show up and the weather, we changed plans!!
All participants were in agreement that due to great visibility and mild temperatures, we'd summit and visit the Vista House prior to heading down over the face. We parked at the snow mobile parking lot and made our way out trail 130 all the way to the CCC cabin for lunch and a little Mt Spokane history discussion. We then jumped on trail 140 to the summit. It was bit windy and a little chilly at the top but nothing a hot fire and hot chocolate can't overcome. The Vista House was hopping and we spent a good 20 minutes there chatting with skiers about our journey, sipping hot chocolate and a little "Rumple Minze" schnapps...Mmmm!!
We left the Vista House, headed over to the KXLY communication facility and down over the face we went back to Bald Knob campground. There we took a last look and marveled at where we'd just been. Then back on to trail 130 to the parking lot. Great day of hiking in a beautiful place with best of friends!
Of course, no day on the mountain is complete without a stop at Bear Creek Lodge for beer & hard cider. We continued the tradition and the lodge was lively as well.
Looking forward to our next adventure and hopefully more of the Baddlands family will join in the fun.
Cheers.