Hike description: This hike on the Red Pass Trail starts out in old-growth forest and enters the Alpine Lakes Wilderness.
At 2-3/4 miles the trail intersects the old Pacific Crest Trail. It then drops down to a crossing of Commonwealth Creek and then heads up Commonwealth Basin. At the foot of the upper basin lies Red Pond, a beautiful tarn in a rock-strewn clearing ideal for resting or a picnic and a good turnaround point for casual hikers.
For more views, continue up the trail to the ridge crest and Red Pass, five miles. Red Pass is on a ridge between Lundin Peak and Red Mountain. View Mount Rainier to the south and dozens of peaks in the Snoqualmie area. The old Crest Trail, now abandoned, drops down the north side of the ridge from the pass into the Middle Fork Snoqualmie River valley. Have lunch at the pass and enjoy the views. On the way back down to the trailhead, treat yourself to views of the valley walls and nearby Guye Peak, Snoqualmie and Denny Mountains.
Directions: Take the West Snoqualmie Summit exit on Interstate 90, Exit 52. Turn left under the overpass, then turn right into the Pacific Crest Trail parking lot.
Difficulty rating: 4 (1 is easiest, 5 is most difficult)
Miles round-trip: 10
Elevation: 2,700 feet
Best time of year: July-October
Map: Green Trails 207 Snoqualmie Pass
Pass: Northwest Forest Pass
Also: Always remember your 10 Essentials so you are prepared for the unexpected. Practice Leave No Trace and pack out your own trash and any you happen upon along the way.
Info: For current trail and road conditions, contact the North Bend Ranger Station, Snoqualmie Ranger District, Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, 425-888-1421; www.fs.fed.us/r6/mbs; “Day Hiking Snoqualmie Region,” Mountaineers Books.
Hike of the Week is presented by The Mountaineers Tacoma Branch Hiking/Backpacking Committee.
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