The forecast called for fog turning to clouds. Freezing level around 6000 feet. Not too bad for the middle of November, so I thought I would give a hike out of the Snoqualmie Pass area a try. It was definitely foggy when I started out, and as you will see, it stayed that way for as long as I was out and about.

The trail starts from the parking lot at the Alpental Ski Area. A quick run up a log and dirt stairway gets one warmed up, then the trail works its way along, gradually climbing until you reach a side trail to an overlook after 1.5 miles. I decided to skip this side trip, since there would not be anything to see except for more fog.

Soon, the trail began to ascend on long switchbacks through newly blasted pathways on a rather steep rocky slope. I'm sure that I was missing some great scenery at this point, but that just means that I can come back in the spring or summer for some more fun. As I neared the ridge, a good breeze started to join me, blowing up the face of the mountain and depositing a good supply of fog moisture on the trees. Here's a close-up shot of some of the accumulation. Fortunately I only passed through this fridgid setting and was up and over a ridge. Down about 400 feet to Snow Lake . I'm pretty sure that it is a good sized lake for that high up, but as you can see, I'll have to return to know for sure.

I found a little spot to sit that wasn't too windy and had my brunch. I didn't stay long, because my fingers were getting numb and the fog was obviously not going anywhere. The hike back out was easy, and best completed early, as a rather large number of people were coming up as I neared the parking lot. I passed about 40 or so hikers going up, including one group of around 20. Of course the usual group of untethered dogs in spite of the sign at the trailhead. All in all, a very enjoyable hike and I look forward to returning on a day when there is no fog.