2.28.2014

Free Book Giveaway

                                                          

I recently decided to make the transfer from paper books to digital books. In this process, i am getting rid of many of my books and purchasing them again digitally. 
One book I've enjoyed the last three years is the book you see in the above picture.
I've used this booked multiple times for hikes and mountain climbing in the Olympics. I've also read through it dreaming about conquering many  mountain peaks.
Its the best climbing guide out there for the Olympics. The book includes every mountain from easy to very technical. The book also gives history to who first climbed each mountain.
My book is in excellent condition with only a slight crease on the cover page.
The book retails at just under $16$ on amazon!

SO HERE'S THE DEAL!!! IT COULD BE YOURS FOR FREE!!!! FREE!!!

I'll send it to you via mail and it's on me!
All you gotta do it respond via my facebook page, twitter (@backpackin4ever) , or this blog of mine with your most favorite hike within Washington State's wonderful Olympic Peninsula!! Yes, i know, its hard to pick. If you've never been to the peninsula then tell about a hike you've always wanted to conquer!
I will write each persons name on a piece of paper and randomly pick one name out of a hat. The last day to get in on the giveaway is Wednesday March 12th, after Wednesday your top five wont count for the giveaway . I will pick the winner the weekend of march 15th and 16th. Best of Luck!!!

GET OUT THERE!!

2.12.2014

Melakwa Lake Hike: Alpine Lakes Wilderness

Denny Creek
Somehow my first post on this hike got deleted so here's a quick rehash.
I had Friday off and needed to get up into the mountains. If you have read any of my posts then that last statement is pretty much how i start all my posts!! I'll think of something new to say next time, i promise. But this just goes to prove what my mindset is every time i head to the mountains.
The snow depth in the cascades was lacking and it was already the end of December. Therefore i grabbed my boots and drove to the Denny Creek Trail. With only 2 to 6 inches of snow on the trail from trailhead to Melakwa Lake, no snowshoes were needed. The snow made everything pristine!! 
The hike heads up and over Hemlock Pass and down to Melakwa Lake. Denny creek is always roaring beautifully with keekwulee falls a gem to gaze at. On a clear day several peaks sky above Melakwa Lake. I've heard the lake holds trout, but i got skunked without even touching the water with my pole. The ice was to thick to break through. Next time!!
Here's some pics and info, enjoy!

Interstate 90

Denny Creek

Heading up to Hemlock Pass

Staying warm at the lake

  

Keekwulee Falls
  
Trail Info:
Trail Number - #1014
Total Miles - 4.7 miles from trailhead to lake/ 9.4 miles round trip
Elevation Gain - start 2300 ft/ 4500 at lake / 2200 total ft gained
trailhead - parking lot and bathrooms
viewing - waterfalls, subalpine, lake, fishing, Low Mountain, Hemlock Peak, Bryant Peak, Chair Peak, Kaleetan Peak
Wildlife seen - Chickadees
Adventures via Denny Creek Trail - Chair Peak lake, Lower Tuscohatchie lake, Peak bagging
Trail Condition - The first 1/2 was excellent but after that i have no idea because of snow on trail
Map - Green Trails Map 207S
Fishing - Rumor has is the lake has trout
Camping - No camping at the lake
Fires - 
Directions - From I-90 take exit 47. Take an left to go over the overpass is coming eastbound. Take a right if coming westbound. Next take a right on forest road 5800. Follow for a little while and pass Denny creek campground. Next take a left soon after passing the campground and your there.

GET OUT THERE!!!