etsnyd wrote:jordansahls wrote:dskoon wrote:Where the f are those pics of? North cascades? but, where?
I want to say Merchant, or somewhere in there. It looks like the NF of Baring in the background of the second picture.
Yes, I was going to say Gunn or Merchant, which would make them just barely "north" Cascades (just north of US-2). Those peaks are in the low 6,000's as far as elevation goes. This area, along with the Monte Cristo area, probably receives an overabundance of snow due to being right in the Puget Sound Convergence zone. Areas directly north and south probably don't get as much snow.
Bingo, we are on Gunn Peak in the proposed Skykomish Wilderness!
You'll get less snow further south but I don't know about the north. For example, Cascade Pass (truly in the "north" cascades) would still be snowcovered, even needing a decent road walk to get there at that time.
I'm wondering if the convergence zone really has a deeper snowpack than say, the North Cascades National Park proper. In my experience it _rained_ a lot there too in the shoulder seasons and summer. It's such a great, wild place.
I second the idea of going east. A great hike in early June would be Icicle Ridge in Leavenworth. Big views, big elevation gain (5000+ feet). You can go up the ridge, down the 4th of July trail and hitch a ride back to your car. You'll have sun and at least half the elevation gain will be snow-free.