cover photo for Olalla Canyon Ridge Spring Wildflowers🚶🌸🌻🌼🌈
Olalla Canyon Ridge Spring Wildflowers🚶🌸🌻🌼🌈
Sun, May 3, 5:30 PM - Mon, May 4, 2:45 AM GMT
HF8M+Q5 Cashmere, Washington
Mercer Island Park & Ride
Hosts
About
Join me Sunday 5/3 for an Olalla Canyon Ridge hike to see stunning spring wildflowers that seem to go on forever. Pack your patience (which I don’t have much of) because there will be a ton of “influencers” on the trail that you’ll want to punch, but they thin out as the trail goes on, and it’s such a beautiful place that after your anger fades, you’ll be able to soak in the beauty. This is a relatively easy hike, but it’s 100% sun exposure, so wear sunscreen.
The flowers are blooming early, so hopefully they’ll still be in bloom – I’ll keep checking bloom reports and if they’re already gone, I’ll pick a different hike for us on the same day.
There will be a ton of folks here, which means a ton of cars, so parking might be tough. I can’t remember the parking situation from when I was here last year. I’ve read that parking on the road can result in tickets – Obviously I’m not responsible if you get a ticket. If I get a ticket, I’ll pay it and will consider it a hiking fee. I’ve also read that some entitled locals sometimes give hikers grief, but the trail is on public land, which is for everyone to enjoy. Just be sure not to block any driveways, etc. when parking.
We’ll stop at Twin Pines Drive In on the way for a burger and shake.
On the way back we’ll have delicious pasta at Larch in Leavenworth if we can get a table. If not, there are many other options. Dinner is optional unless you ride with me - I’ll be stopping in Leavenworth to eat on the way back.
DRIVERS NEEDED: If you can drive and have room for riders, please use the event chat section to indicate. Riders are expected to pay you $20 each to cover costs for gas, wear & tear and for convenience. See below for required parking passes, etc.
• Distance: 3mi (the official trail is 2, but we’ll go further) • Duration: 2.5hrs (built in time for lots of photos) • Difficulty Level: Easy/Moderate • Elevation Gain: 600’ • Carpool Cost for Riders: $20 paid to driver before riding • Meeting Point for Carpool: Mercer Island Park & Ride (Google Maps link below) • Meeting Point for Hike: Trailhead (Google Maps link below) • Equipment Needed: Sunscreen / Hiking Essentials • Parking Fee: Northwest Forrest Pass or National Park Pass (see note above about parking challenges / chances of getting a ticket)
Agenda (all times outside of initial departure time are estimated): • 10:30am: Meet at Mercer Island Park & Ride if carpooling • 10:35am: Depart • 11:45am: Lunch at Twin Pines Drive IN • 12:15pm: Depart for trailhead • 1:15pm: Arrive Trailhead • 3:45pm: Depart for Leavenworth (optional (unless you’re in my car)) • 4:15pm: Arrive Larch Handcrafted Pasta & Cocktails • 5:15pm: Depart for Seattle • 7:45pm: Arrive Seattle
Please let me know in the Event Chat if you’ll meet us at trailhead vs carpool location.
If we arrive at the trailhead in different cars at different times, simply wait for the group at the trailhead.
Learn more, read trip reviews and download map at AllTrails:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/olalla-canyon--2
Trailhead Location - Google Maps:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/AMHPQYUgDimExVCW6
Mercer Island Park & Ride Location - Google Maps:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/agZkmRrcs2NybHp2A
(I drive a white Kia SUV and I park in the right back corner of this lot.)
Twin Pines Drive In – Google Maps:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ioENTCxzZC21559L8
Larch Handcrafted Pasta & Cocktails – Google Maps:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/WNZjfDFCuRG32Yn46
Carpooling Cost & Coordination | Bring a Bag for Dirty Shoes if Muddy Hike: We encourage carpooling as it reduces our carbon footprint, helps with limited trailhead parking and builds comradery among members. Drivers are always needed and riders are expected to pay $20 to the driver to cover the cost for gas, wear & tear and for the convenience. Pay the driver before getting in the car. Please use the event chat feature to coordinate carpooling. If a muddy hike, bring a change of shoes and a bag for your dirty shoes to help keep the driver’s car clean.
Change Your RSVP if You Can't Make It: Plans change and hangovers happen, so no worries at all if you can't make it, but if you RSVP yes, please change your response in the system or text me directly on the day of the event if you cannot join so we aren't waiting on you.
Donations: If you’d like to pitch in a few bucks to cover the financial and time commitments required to run the group, it’s always appreciated, but never required.
Group Photo: A group photo will be taken that will be used on the Heylo site and potentially social media by the various people in the group. There’s no pressure to join the group photo, so if you don’t want your photo to be used, simply don’t join the group photo.
How Much Water to Bring (In general - NOT for this specific hike): You need to drink 1 liter (33 ounces) for every 2 hours hiking (more when it's hot). For example: A 4-hour hike would require you bring 2 liters (66 ounces) of water (or more if hot). I highly recommend a water bladder backpack by Osprey or Camelbak.
Bring Snacks: Bring high energy snacks such as nuts and dried fruits to help you sustain your energy.
What to Wear: Never wear cotton hiking. Everything on your body (socks, underwear, pants, shirts, etc.) should be either synthetic or wool, both of which wick moisture away from your body. Cotton traps moisture against your body which can lead to being incredibly uncomfortable in the least or potentially to heat stroke in the summer or hypothermia during winter. Dress in layers you can remove easily and keep you comfortable based on levels of exertion and/or changes in weather conditions. For winter, hats, gloves and microspikes are a must, and snow gaiters are helpful for deeper snow. Microspikes @ REI:
https://www.rei.com/product/890608/kahtoola-microspikes-traction-system
?
Hiking Etiquette: Please remember to leave no trace and practice basic trail etiquette such as yielding right-of-way to uphill climbers and no amplified music.
Looking for Event Leaders: Do you have ideas for hikes and outdoor adventures? Are you interested in being an event leader for hikes, skiing, cycling, paddling, happy hours or simply anything fun in the great outdoors? If so, I’d love to make you an event organizer. Message me on Heylo or email me at
thadcaperton@gmail.com
Download Trail Map with AllTrails Plus: I recommend you download the map from AllTrails in advance as many hikes don't have cell service. The download feature requires the Plus subscription, which is only $35/year and is more than worth every cent. If we get separated and there's no cell service, you could get lost without a downloaded map. The Plus version also gives you on-trail weather and conditions.
All Attendees Must Be Group Members: For legal liability issues, attendees at group events must be group members. SIMPLE GUEST SOLUTION: If you’d like to bring a guest, simply have them join the group and register for this event. Even if it’s a girlfriend, have them join.
Understand, agree and adhere to the following: All activities hosted by this group involve risk. By becoming a member and/or participating in events offered by our group, you agree to release, hold harmless, and indemnify this group, its members, and its organizers from any and all liability. You alone are responsible for your safety and comfort. You agree to the group rules listed on the group homepage by joining group events and maintaining group membership. (In other words, don’t try suing me bitches – I come from a poor family, so there’s nothing to get anyway. 😆)
Look forward to seeing you on the trail! 😊🌈
Thanks! Thad
Going
Register to see all event details
Where your group belongs
Olalla Canyon Ridge Spring Wildflowers🚶🌸🌻🌼🌈
Sun, May 3, 5:30 PM - Mon, May 4, 2:45 AM GMT
HF8M+Q5 Cashmere, Washington
Mercer Island Park & Ride
Hosts
About
Join me Sunday 5/3 for an Olalla Canyon Ridge hike to see stunning spring wildflowers that seem to go on forever. Pack your patience (which I don’t have much of) because there will be a ton of “influencers” on the trail that you’ll want to punch, but they thin out as the trail goes on, and it’s such a beautiful place that after your anger fades, you’ll be able to soak in the beauty. This is a relatively easy hike, but it’s 100% sun exposure, so wear sunscreen.
The flowers are blooming early, so hopefully they’ll still be in bloom – I’ll keep checking bloom reports and if they’re already gone, I’ll pick a different hike for us on the same day.
There will be a ton of folks here, which means a ton of cars, so parking might be tough. I can’t remember the parking situation from when I was here last year. I’ve read that parking on the road can result in tickets – Obviously I’m not responsible if you get a ticket. If I get a ticket, I’ll pay it and will consider it a hiking fee. I’ve also read that some entitled locals sometimes give hikers grief, but the trail is on public land, which is for everyone to enjoy. Just be sure not to block any driveways, etc. when parking.
We’ll stop at Twin Pines Drive In on the way for a burger and shake.
On the way back we’ll have delicious pasta at Larch in Leavenworth if we can get a table. If not, there are many other options. Dinner is optional unless you ride with me - I’ll be stopping in Leavenworth to eat on the way back.
DRIVERS NEEDED: If you can drive and have room for riders, please use the event chat section to indicate. Riders are expected to pay you $20 each to cover costs for gas, wear & tear and for convenience. See below for required parking passes, etc.
• Distance: 3mi (the official trail is 2, but we’ll go further) • Duration: 2.5hrs (built in time for lots of photos) • Difficulty Level: Easy/Moderate • Elevation Gain: 600’ • Carpool Cost for Riders: $20 paid to driver before riding • Meeting Point for Carpool: Mercer Island Park & Ride (Google Maps link below) • Meeting Point for Hike: Trailhead (Google Maps link below) • Equipment Needed: Sunscreen / Hiking Essentials • Parking Fee: Northwest Forrest Pass or National Park Pass (see note above about parking challenges / chances of getting a ticket)
Agenda (all times outside of initial departure time are estimated): • 10:30am: Meet at Mercer Island Park & Ride if carpooling • 10:35am: Depart • 11:45am: Lunch at Twin Pines Drive IN • 12:15pm: Depart for trailhead • 1:15pm: Arrive Trailhead • 3:45pm: Depart for Leavenworth (optional (unless you’re in my car)) • 4:15pm: Arrive Larch Handcrafted Pasta & Cocktails • 5:15pm: Depart for Seattle • 7:45pm: Arrive Seattle
Please let me know in the Event Chat if you’ll meet us at trailhead vs carpool location.
If we arrive at the trailhead in different cars at different times, simply wait for the group at the trailhead.
Learn more, read trip reviews and download map at AllTrails:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/olalla-canyon--2
Trailhead Location - Google Maps:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/AMHPQYUgDimExVCW6
Mercer Island Park & Ride Location - Google Maps:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/agZkmRrcs2NybHp2A
(I drive a white Kia SUV and I park in the right back corner of this lot.)
Twin Pines Drive In – Google Maps:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ioENTCxzZC21559L8
Larch Handcrafted Pasta & Cocktails – Google Maps:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/WNZjfDFCuRG32Yn46
Carpooling Cost & Coordination | Bring a Bag for Dirty Shoes if Muddy Hike: We encourage carpooling as it reduces our carbon footprint, helps with limited trailhead parking and builds comradery among members. Drivers are always needed and riders are expected to pay $20 to the driver to cover the cost for gas, wear & tear and for the convenience. Pay the driver before getting in the car. Please use the event chat feature to coordinate carpooling. If a muddy hike, bring a change of shoes and a bag for your dirty shoes to help keep the driver’s car clean.
Change Your RSVP if You Can't Make It: Plans change and hangovers happen, so no worries at all if you can't make it, but if you RSVP yes, please change your response in the system or text me directly on the day of the event if you cannot join so we aren't waiting on you.
Donations: If you’d like to pitch in a few bucks to cover the financial and time commitments required to run the group, it’s always appreciated, but never required.
Group Photo: A group photo will be taken that will be used on the Heylo site and potentially social media by the various people in the group. There’s no pressure to join the group photo, so if you don’t want your photo to be used, simply don’t join the group photo.
How Much Water to Bring (In general - NOT for this specific hike): You need to drink 1 liter (33 ounces) for every 2 hours hiking (more when it's hot). For example: A 4-hour hike would require you bring 2 liters (66 ounces) of water (or more if hot). I highly recommend a water bladder backpack by Osprey or Camelbak.
Bring Snacks: Bring high energy snacks such as nuts and dried fruits to help you sustain your energy.
What to Wear: Never wear cotton hiking. Everything on your body (socks, underwear, pants, shirts, etc.) should be either synthetic or wool, both of which wick moisture away from your body. Cotton traps moisture against your body which can lead to being incredibly uncomfortable in the least or potentially to heat stroke in the summer or hypothermia during winter. Dress in layers you can remove easily and keep you comfortable based on levels of exertion and/or changes in weather conditions. For winter, hats, gloves and microspikes are a must, and snow gaiters are helpful for deeper snow. Microspikes @ REI:
https://www.rei.com/product/890608/kahtoola-microspikes-traction-system
?
Hiking Etiquette: Please remember to leave no trace and practice basic trail etiquette such as yielding right-of-way to uphill climbers and no amplified music.
Looking for Event Leaders: Do you have ideas for hikes and outdoor adventures? Are you interested in being an event leader for hikes, skiing, cycling, paddling, happy hours or simply anything fun in the great outdoors? If so, I’d love to make you an event organizer. Message me on Heylo or email me at
thadcaperton@gmail.com
Download Trail Map with AllTrails Plus: I recommend you download the map from AllTrails in advance as many hikes don't have cell service. The download feature requires the Plus subscription, which is only $35/year and is more than worth every cent. If we get separated and there's no cell service, you could get lost without a downloaded map. The Plus version also gives you on-trail weather and conditions.
All Attendees Must Be Group Members: For legal liability issues, attendees at group events must be group members. SIMPLE GUEST SOLUTION: If you’d like to bring a guest, simply have them join the group and register for this event. Even if it’s a girlfriend, have them join.
Understand, agree and adhere to the following: All activities hosted by this group involve risk. By becoming a member and/or participating in events offered by our group, you agree to release, hold harmless, and indemnify this group, its members, and its organizers from any and all liability. You alone are responsible for your safety and comfort. You agree to the group rules listed on the group homepage by joining group events and maintaining group membership. (In other words, don’t try suing me bitches – I come from a poor family, so there’s nothing to get anyway. 😆)
Look forward to seeing you on the trail! 😊🌈
Thanks! Thad
Going
Register to see all event details
Where your group belongs