Nude Hike: Pass Creek/Dishpan Gap (almost)
Found an easier way into Dishpan Gap rather than the Quartz Creek/Cadet Trail ridge route from last year. This route takes a slowly ascending trail along the headwaters of the North Fork of the Skykomish River before doing the final steep climb to the 'gap' from the east side. The route intersects the Pass Creek Trail which is an interesting climb to a far segment of the West Cady Ridge trail and the Pacific Crest Trail, itself. At eight miles to Dishpan Gap (plus two miles for the undrivable and abandoned jeep trail from the Quartz Creek Trailhead) this shaves four miles off the one way trip and makes the 'gap' attainable in one day without the need for camping overnight . . . a long day but doable.
Eventually you get high enough to enjoy panoramic views of the North Fork of the Skykomish.
I reach my decision point well short of Dishpan and linger before turning back becuase I have no relish for hiking nude in the dark in the deep back woods. The days have been filled with many short, spur-of-the-moment hikes. Like many, this one awaits the time and opportunity to hike to completion . . . perhaps make it an extended trip.
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