Loser Ridge 4600' 1.7.14

I had hoped to do a longer day today but I was feeling under the weather and thought it best to keep it simple today. I was hopeful that I would be able to drive to Lost Lake near Snoqualmie Pass. Even with the recent snow it was actually much easier driving than last week. I parked at the major intersection before the lake. While it was well below freezing it was just drizzling. I had hoped to at least get some snow showers to add to the day. The road was initially packed down by snowmobile traffic but the road is a bit cumbersome in the beginning with quite a few trees laden with ice blocking the way. I was able to knock enough ice off to have the trees part the way for easier travel. After a short ways the road is clear sailing. The snow was perfect for booting, a nice soft layer on top of a solid base. I managed to leave the snowshoes and crampons stored for the entire day. After 2 miles I passed two small lakes that were beautiful with their winter coat of snow. After passing the lakes I finally reached the end of the road and was able to find easy cross country travel. I reached an upper road that had more snowmobile traffic heading my way. The last part was open but fairly steep and I was surprised when I looked up and I was on the summit. The views from the summit looked mostly like an inside of a cloud so I didn't linger long. I gave some thought of mixing up the descent but in the end I chose to take the path most travelled and headed down the way I had come. Nice easy day with good snow conditions.


Approx 6 miles 1500' of climb 3 hours car to car