May 20 SOUTH SLOPE OF LITTLE MOUNTAIN AND YUDWASTA BIG ROCK PARK

8:30 am to 2:00 pm

Moderate for Little Mountain and easy for Yudwasta

We’re happy to offer two new hikes. As parking is limited for both hikes, we will meet at the South Mt. Vernon Park-n-Ride on South Highway 99. We will sign in there at 8:30 am. From there, we will cross I-5 and take Cedardale Road N to Hickox Road. Turn E and drive to the small gravel lot [6 spaces max!!] at 20175 Hickox.

The hike will take us up the Darvill Trail to Bonnie and Clyde’s Trail and Ginny’s Trail to the lookout. To return, we will take the Ridge Trail (at the foot of the cell tower) back down to Bonnie and Clyde’s Trail and then the West Loop Trail back to the Darvill Trail and the parking lot. The loop is just shy of 4 miles with some good vertical (just over 1000 ft). Detailed instructions and a map will be provided the week of the hike.

After that, we will drive down Hickox Road W to Blodgett Road, then north to Anderson Road. Turn right on Anderson/La Venture, then R on E Division Street, which becomes the Mount Vernon-Big Lake Road. Just before Highway 9, we will turn into the gravel lot [room for 9 cars], park, and enjoy the short new trail and stairs to the top of Big Rock, where you will want to contemplate the views of Mt. Baker, Barney, Clear and Big Lakes, the Olympics, and the San Juans from a vantage point new to everyone. Your intrepid scout hikes spent an hour there.

Dogs allowed on leash. No passes required. You may leave when all in your car are returned.