Parish Hikes

   

Hike #6: Commonwealth Basin Hike

The trail to Commonwealth Basin located just off Snoqualmie Pass, is one that most people can negotiate with ease - as long as a person has kept their body in condition.

The trail
Giant, old growth trees surround hikers as they gradually switchback up the side of the ridge that leads to the Commonwealth Basin view point. Some years the trail is a bit muddy because of rain and abundant snowfall, so an extra pair of dry stockings might be worth carrying along. Hiking the trail later in the season usually eliminates any mud problems.

Hike slowly and enjoy the marvelous trees. Since the Commonwealth Basin trail is part of the Cascade Crest Trail and one of the entrances to the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, the trees will be preserved for our continuous enjoyment.

The trail makes long, gentle switchbacks until it comes out of the forest at about 2 miles from the parking lot. Suddenly the hiker is on a rocky cliff area that offers the most stupendous views of the entire Commonwealth Basin. The trail, which starts at the 3,100 feet elevation of Snoqualmie Pass, gains about 900 feet during the two miles. Easy!

Fr. Chuck recommends that most hikers make this rocky area their destination and stop here for a leisurely lunch. If the day is warm, the giant white granite boulders make nice tanning beds. Fast hikers can make the scenic overview in an hour. There is no need to race, however, so a slow, enjoyable pace is suggested. Power hikers may wish to keep on going for several more hours or miles. The trail actually keeps on going for 67 miles to Stevens Pass.

How to get there
The parking area for the hike is only 47 miles from church. Take Highway 18 to Interstate 90. Then go on I-90 east to Snoqualmie Pass. Look for brown colored signs that say "W. Summit." Take the first of the three Snoqualmie Pass exits (Exit 52). After you exit the freeway, turn left and drive under the freeway. You will be on well-marked Alpental Road.

Almost immediately after driving under the freeway, there will be a road on the right with a small brown colored sign that says, "Pacific Crest Trail Parking." That's us! There are two parking lots. If possible, park in the one that is straight ahead rather than the one that branches to the left.

Parish hikers generally meet at the upper end of the parking lot close to the primitive toilet house. Bring water to drink, a small lunch, dry stockings and extra clothing to put on when you stop to rest (this is essential for comfort in the mountains). Carry your gear in a small back pack. Parents with children should insist that the children stay with them since everyone in a given family needs to know when some other family member may decide to go no further.

This is a fun, easy hike. It will seem hard if a person is not used to walking. For any parish hike, take short, fast walks each day until hike day in order to get the most pleasure from the hike. Remember, the goal is to get out into God's creation, not to necessarily reach a destination.