Day 156 Chinook Pass Fire Jump

10.99 miles
Skip Wildcat Fire closure from White Pass (mile 2298.1, elev 4410) to Chinook Pass
From Chinook Pass (mile 2327, elevation 5392)
To spring camp and trailhead (mile 2337.2, elevation 6236)
Upload 2508
Descent 1660

Temperatures were below dew point last night, so everyone’s tents were pretty humid in the morning. David, a good friend of Firefly, was taking the weekend to go hiking and agreed to take Firefly, AKA, Mirthful, and me through the closed fire section. We packed our gear and backpacks into the car for a drive, then stopped at the 1950s-themed Drift Inn restaurant in Naches for breakfast. We had a very fun conversation during the trip and during breakfast. David, in addition to seeming like a very interesting, friendly and intelligent person, studied geology and knew how to point out fascinating things in the hills we passed through.

Outside Drift Inn – 50’s Themed Dinner

Inside the Drift Inn

Since the Wildcat Fire had closed a section of the trail, the air was quite smoky. That was extremely evident on the way up to Chinook Pass. While there is less smoke along the way, we were occasionally able to see the actual plumes of smoke from the fire.

Smoke, seen while driving towards Chinook Pass

Smoke rises from beyond the next ridge.

I felt pretty good when we started walking. We stopped after a few miles at Sheep Lake and had lunch. After lunch, I continued to feel good for a few more miles before my Achilles tendon bothered me. Later, the wind picked up and I felt cold. So I stopped and camped at the spring after 10.5 miles while AKA, Mirthful and Firefly continued to the next tent site 3 miles ahead.

After spending some time in my tent and having dinner, the wind has died down a bit and I have warmed up a lot. I think I heard moose bugling a while ago. It’s a sound like no other I’ve ever heard.

Leaving Chinook Pass

Sheep Lake, where we had lunch. (This is not the same Sheep Lake where I camped a few days ago)

Looking back from Sourdough Gap to Sheep Lake and Chinook Pass

David aka and Firefly

David and firefly

Crystal Mountain Ski Area

My campsite was in the trees near where the trail leads.

Location of my store

This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any products or services you purchase using links in articles or advertisements. The buyer pays the same price they would otherwise pay, and their purchase helps support The Trek’s ongoing goal of bringing you quality backpacking information and advice. Thank you for your support!

For more information, visit the About page of this site.