As I’ve shared before, my go to favorite place to hike and play is the 15 or so square miles around Chinook Pass, Washington, and I am happy to report that the pass is now open! It was delayed for Memorial Day weekend, but for this beautiful weekend, things are good to go….

This picture was taken just off to the West of the summit today, so the snow pack is about 4-6 feet, melting rapidly which from my experience, puts as at an average year. The official record shows us mildly under average. So, this means we are on track for a normal summer hiking season! In fact, on the way down from the pass, every hiking parking area on Hwy 410 looked pretty full. The PNW hikers are antsy, and seeing the amazing run off from the snow melt. This produces so many waterfalls, which are awesome for amazing pictures, and so much mud, which can be dangerous for falls, so bring your hiking poles and strong, waterproof boots.

Lake Tipsoo was peaking through the snow and the mountain was showing off.

A gorgeous day for sure. I spent time on the east side of the pass as usual, and had fun making a fire (now is the time for campfires, given the low fire risk), and roasting some s’mores.

Why is it just so worth it to get out? It’s for your health! You walk more and exercise more just because you are out in nature. You’re off the grid and can’t be on the phone, or watching a show. You’re moving: just to go to the outhouse, you have to walk a few hundred steps! Everything you do takes some work, which in my book, adds to the fun and adds to the health of it.

As a bonus, we can experience the awe of gaping at the mountain, the beauty of silence only interupted by birdsong, the peace and healing power of a walk in the woods…