Do you want to get a feeling for what it is like to hike in the Chamonix region of Switzerland? If so, take the Sound of Music Hike. Actually, this hike on a long-abandoned logging road up Kendall Ridge takes the summertime hiker into the scenic area where you know who with the long legs spends a lot of time snowshoeing in the winter.. This is an easy six or seven mile round trip hike with splendid scenery and a modest 1,500 foot elevation gain. The abandoned logging road (foot traffic only) goes up a gentle ridge across from the major ski areas at Snoqualmie Pass. Hikers will enjoy Swiss-like views of chalets at the base of the ski areas along with some of the finest mountain scenery in the region.
The logging road, which is our footpath, is starting to grow over and erode away, wends its way through a young forest of about 35 year old trees. While some people don't like the idea of walking on an old logging road, the road is magical in that it takes one to very lovely views. As we gradually gain elevation, hikers will have splendid views of Lake Keechlus, the Gold Creek Basin, High Box, Guye Peak, Snoqualmie Peak (the highest in the area) and, if there are no clouds, exceptional views of the upper portion of Mount Rainier.
The end point of the hike is a lovely little knoll on the leading edge of Kendall Ridge that locals call Kendall Knob. From our lofty perch on the Knob, hikers will be surrounded by an impressive 360 degree panorama of the entire Snoqualmie Pass area and the rugged peaks that wall the pass in.
This is a "dry hike" in the sense that there are no streams available for drinking water. The rocky creek at the beginning of the hike is difficult to get down to and the water is not fit for drinking. If you try to get down to the stream, beware of broken glass in the stream and embedded in the embankment. There are no toilet facilities at the parking area.
Turn around points Very few parishioners have failed to make it to Kendall Knob, that marks the end point of the Sound of Music hike. But if a person is truly out of shape, any place along the "trail" makes for a good resting point for eating lunch and then returning to one's car. The purpose of the parish hikes is to get out into the beauty of God's creation. Reaching some set goal is quite secondary. For those who push on, stay on the main logging road. A few spur roads branch off the main road, but avoid those. Please note that the logging road eventually makes a sort of "T" at the head of the valley that we will be working our way up. Do not take the left hand part of the T. It is a very dug up road and is meant to discourage passage. Instead, at the "T", turn right and work your way uphill. Once you hit the ridge, catch your breath and then take the next junction to the right (also dug up but work your way forward) Do not be tempted to stay on the firm, evident road since the Knob is at the end of this upper dug up portion of road. Besides, at this point you are only a few hundred yards from the summit of our little Knob - with all the glorious mountain scenery making one feel like they are in The Sound of Music movie.
What to bring and wear The Kendall Ridge trail (road), while rocky in places, can be easily done in sturdy athletic shoes. Even if the day is a bit cool, most people find wearing shorts is more comfortable than jeans or other long pants. It would not hurt to bring long pants or wind breaker pants along just in case the temperature drops. If, for some strange reason, the day is truly warm, still bring extra clothing. Remember, we are in the mountains and conditions can change rapidly. Bring "stuff" to take care of blisters. Some insect repellent might be a good idea as well. Bring along water to drink in a leak proof container. Also bring a lunch or snack food. Photos? Since this hike is quite picturesque, a camera would certainly be in order. Carry everything in a small back pack. Dogs are permitted on this hike but they must be on a leash per Forest Service regulations.
It is necessary for families to stick together. While it may be tempting for energetic kids to run on ahead, parents must keep children with them in case someone decides to turn around, needs blister treatment, water or what have you.
How to get there The trailhead for Kendall Ridge is 49 miles from church (allow an hour of driving). Take I-90 east and go over Snoqualmie Pass. Take exit 54 with overhead signs that say "Hyak - Rocky Run." Once you have exited, turn left under the freeway and drive straight ahead a few hundred feet. Park in the Sno-Park area. Do not cross the small bridge. The hike goes up the obvious road just across the bridge. Kendall Ridge/Sound of Music hike is best enjoyed on a sunny day or on a day with scattered clouds. However, in the past, many parishioners have hiked the trail on a day with a light drizzle. It is easy enough to hold an umbrella in order to stay dry.This is a no fee hike so parking passes are not required.
Do you want to get a feeling for what it is like to hike in the Chamonix region of Switzerland? If so, take the Sound of Music Hike. Actually, this hike on a long-abandoned logging road up Kendall Ridge takes the summertime hiker into the scenic area where you know who with the long legs spends a lot of time snowshoeing in the winter.. This is an easy six or seven mile round trip hike with splendid scenery and a modest 1,500 foot elevation gain. The abandoned logging road (foot traffic only) goes up a gentle ridge across from the major ski areas at Snoqualmie Pass. Hikers will enjoy Swiss-like views of chalets at the base of the ski areas along with some of the finest mountain scenery in the region.