After a delightful day on the trails of Cook Hill on Tuesday, I decided I needed more of this ice and snow extravaganza while it lasts. I was not disappointed today hiking Dog Mt. on the outside loop.
TH was 38 degrees and the lowering sky foretold weather to soon come but I dressed for the part and glad that I did. No wind at all until I was about 1,600' elevation and even that was wimpy compared to a couple of days ago.
The temperature dropped to freezing by 1,700' elevation and this was most welcome. Up to that point, the wet snow on the trail was sticking to my boots making it seem like I was hiking with a mushy softball attached to the arch of my boot. I was constantly having to kick the build-up off and this slowed me down a bit. I put my spikes on when the snow got to about 4" and that helped traction a lot and helped keep the snow build-up at a minimum.
The snow and rime ice was nothing less than spectacular and got better and better the higher I went.
I opted for the westside trail for my descent and though longer was even more spectacular. I put first tracks down on this section and had to forge through about a half mile of intermittent 2' snowdrifts but since it was downhill, no problem.
About a mile and half from the TH, the rain started in earnest and it became a less-than-optimal slog. Nevertheless, a great day in the woods!
Agreed, but it might ruin my reputation for being a slacker.
The map of the "Outside Loop". In my experience hiking Dog Mt., most hikers go for the center trail. I like the longer route depicted here as it is a more consistent grade and has more views.
nice pictures. I was there on 1/5/19 and not even a speck of snow! this time of the year, expected to see a lot more snow.