Norman, Merlin, and I took a day off and headed to Crystal Mt. for a ride on the Crystal Mt. trail. This is a 13.9 mile loop that starts and ends at the resort or at the horse camp. We arrived to sunny weather even though it was cloudy and grey down in Enumclaw. The sun was out but there was a cool breeze which was perfect for riding and for Merlin. We descended from the resort down to the horse camp where we started the 6.4 mile climb out of the valley up to the Summit House. I have to say the trail is dry, deep in places from lots of horse traffic. There are some loose rocky sections. It was challenging riding through the sandy sections near the ridgeline up to where the trail meets the cat track on the backside of the ridge. This trail definitely needs some rain to pack it back down. We arrived at the Summit House and had gorgeous views of a partly cloud covered mt and surrounding peaks. The buidling created a nice wind break while we ate our lunch. I was able to find some water for Merlin in the women's restroom. Not much water on the way up but lots on the way down.
After our break we started our descent. The first section is on a narrow exposed trail which is pretty sketchy in places where some sharp flint like rock was added to the trail. No misteps here. Then we headed down in to the silver valley area that wound through high alpine forest across small meadows and by a couple of lakes where Merlin took a couple swims and scooped up some water. The descent is pretty gradual after the initial open part. Perfect for riding with Merlin. There was a little more climbing after Henskin lake and then a steady descent back to our cars at the resort.
Another great day of riding.
Almost to the Summit House |
Norman and Merlin |
View From the Summit House |
A Girl and Her Dog |
Looking Up at the Trail Descent |
Norman and Merlin on the Trail |
Norman Spinning Up Some Dust |
Merlin Swimming in Henskin Lake - 1 |
Merlin Swimming in Henskin Lake - 2 |
Henskin Lake - 1 |
Henskin Lake - 2 |
Life is Good! |
Dog Days of Summer |