Escape the rain for desert terrain — Tibbetts Mountain! 🌵

About this event

This Saturday we're heading over Stevens Pass to the dry side for Tibbetts Mountain via Hay Canyon — a steep climb through golden hillside and desert sage, with panoramic views of the Wenatchee River and the southern Cascades. No shade, no rain, all sun — which is exactly the point after weeks of drizzle. 🥾 📍 Hike Details (from AllTrails) Trail: Tibbetts Mountain via Hay Canyon Distance: ~7 miles Elevation Gain: ~2,946 ft Route Type: Out & back Estimated time: 5.5–6 hours of hiking (plus breaks) Pass required: Northwest Forest Pass / America the Beautiful Pass

⚠️ Trail Notes:

• No shade: The whole route is exposed. Bring more water than you think you need.

• Loose & slippery: Mostly loose dirt, and the downhill is the sketchier part — poles strongly recommended.

• Route-finding: The trail is easy to follow until the loop near the top, where it can disappear. Downloaded offline map is essential.

• Wildlife: Stay alert — rattlesnakes are possible on this dry ridge, even in cooler months. Keep dogs close and watch where you step.

• Crowds: Not crowded. Small lot.

• Cell service: Spotty. Download your offline map before we leave!

🚗 Schedule & Meeting (Saturday)

• 6:30 AM – Meet at Green Lake Park & Ride (NE 65th St & I-5, Seattle)

• 6:45 AM – Carpool departs promptly

• ~7:25 AM – Pit stop at Safeway – 19651 US-2, Monroe, WA 98272 (bathrooms / snacks / coffee / supplies)

• ~9:30 AM – Arrive at trailhead (Wet Hay Road)

• ~9:45 AM – Start hiking 🥾

• ~3:30–4:00 PM – Back to cars

• ~6:00–7:00 PM – Estimated return to Green Lake P&R

🎒 What to Bring

• ✅ Hiking boots (sturdy, good traction for loose dirt)

• ✅ Trekking poles (strongly recommended for the slippery descent)

• ✅ 2–3+ liters of water — no water on trail, full sun

• ✅ Lunch + snacks

• ✅ Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses (zero shade)

• ✅ Light layers + wind layer (ridge can be breezy)

• ✅ Rain jacket (just in case)

• ✅ Offline map downloaded (route-finding near the loop)

• ✅ Northwest Forest Pass / America the Beautiful Pass

• ✅ Change of shoes/clothes

• ✅ Headlamp — sunset is early these days

• ✅ Stay alert for wildlife (rattlesnakes possible)

• 🐕 Dogs welcome (on leash!)

💰 Cost Sharing

• $25 per person if we have 3 riders per car

• $35 per person if we have 2 riders per car

Cash or Venmo. ⚠️ Disclaimer This is a group-organized hike, NOT a guided tour. The host is not a professional guide, trip leader, or outdoor expert — just organizing fellow hikers and participating themselves. You are solely responsible for your own safety, preparedness, and well-being throughout the event. This is an exposed, loose-terrain route with no water — please only join if you're comfortable with a long day out in the sun.

From Washington Weekends