Hiking With Herb

On Feb. 10th, the hiking team decided to go to Pleasant Valley for a snowshoe outing. There were a few flakes of snow, four inches of new powder, and snow clinging to the trees. We were able to avoid the wind and saw glimpses of the sun. Fourteen degrees was the temp at the beginning, and about mid-twenties upon our return. You can never know what elements you will encounter, but this day was one of reflection. This team of hikers always takes what comes with a positive attitude! The six of us had a happy day. Herb

*We will meet again on Feb. 17th at 8 am in the YMCA parking lot.

Pleasant Valley

Hiking With Herb

It was a late day in January 2025. The snow conditions for snowshoeing in the mountains were marginal. So, six stalwart hikers decided to walk three miles up the Justice Douglas Road, west of Yakima. Patches of snow were on the hillsides along the way. However, the day was a crisp 18 degrees when we started out. As the day progressed, the temperature became much more tolerable. What more could be asked of a day with hiking friends on a cold winter day? We also enjoyed the renewed presence of Lowell Bossherdt. He is a great storyteller! If you are bored with winter, come join us and enjoy! We had conversations about the past year's hiking experiences and plans for this coming summer.

Next outing: Meet at 8 am in the YMCA parking lot on Monday, February 3rd. If you have questions, please call Herb at 509-517-8881.

Justice Douglas Road

Hiking With Herb

On Jan 13th, six of the snowshoeing team, went to the Maintenance Shop over White Pass. A sign directs hikers to the Sand Lake trail head. I took the team to a side trail however. The snow was nice and not packed down. Trees were glistening in the sun from the hanging snow. Rabit tracks were evident everywhere, and also some cayote tracks. We went three miles & 500 vertical. The day was crisp & fresh. Everyone enjoyed this outing. One wonderful sight that some of the team saw, was a silver fox sitting on a snow bank! On the web, factual information can be found on the beautiful animal. There could be one, in a litter of red foxes, that is silver. Also, some are native to the East side of the Cascades. We all can be surprised with our outdoor experiences. It was a good day!

Sand Lake

Hiking With Herb

On January 6th, 2025, our snowshoe team of nine members went to the American Ridge Ski Bowl. This ski bowl was created by a ski club and the forest service in 1935. It lasted until 1959. It had two rope tows and a lower area for skiing. It is located off Highway 410 on the Bumping Lake Road. We went approximately three miles, round trip. The elevation gain is 800 feet. Two new members joined our team: Claire Unruh and Yvonne Foster. They both enjoyed our outing. These snowshoe trips are challenging at times, but they give us time to experience the gifts of nature. We also share our life experiences, which promotes bonding in the group. Again, I must say that it is a gift to be with people who also recognize the value of the outdoors. If you join us, you can find this joy too. Herb

American Ridge Ski Bowl

The snowshoe team met at the YMCA parking lot, as usual. It was December 30th. We all agreed to go to Bumping Lake. Tami Asars decided to go with us but was arriving late from North Bend. I sent the team members ahead and waited for Tami. When she and I arrived at the lake, we couldn't find the others. We snowshoed together for the day. At the end, we were only ten minutes behind the team at the snow park. The day was somewhat confusing, but beautiful and very enjoyable! I will add that Tami is a special person. She has hiked all of the long-distance trails in the United States. She is the author of several outdoor books, and her photography is very professional. She could also lead our team on a westside trail. I am so fortunate to have had her as a friend for over 15 years.

Snow Park Snowshoeing with Tami Asars

On December 16th, our team of five snowshoers went to the White Pass Nordic Trail. It was a perfect day for snowshoeing. We stopped at the yurt to get trail passes. Nick Shultz and I got free passes because of our "young" (over 72) ages. Chuck and Syndie Wilson had their passes with them, but Jim Harwood had to pay for his. It was all worth the effort. We found a trail near Leach Lake in the trees. It was like a magic world—a world of puffy snowballs on the bushes and tall trees all flocked with snow. This picture of winter always renews our spirits. Come join us sometime and find renewal in your own life! Herb

White Pass Nordic Trail

It is fall, but winter is near. It is a perfect day of blue skies and sun. However, no words can express this vision before us. It is a day of internal passion of the soul. December 9th at Bumping Lake took our breath away as we snowshoed through powdered snow. There were ten of us who went 2.5 miles and found the joy of the day. Come with us next time and feel the joy of nature! Herb

Bumping Lake

Seven team members started the first snowshoe hike on December 2nd, 2024. The day was frosty with a bit of sun and blue skies. Syndie quietly helped us on her skis by breaking the trail while we followed. We help each other as a team. We had many distant views of snow-covered ridges, as well as many frost-covered trees. On the road to the trailhead of White Ridge, several deer ran across the road, and a flock of wild turkeys came into view. Nature is always wonderful! The snow was stiff powder, but was frozen under the trees. All seven of us had a great first day of snowshoeing! Herb

White Ridge Trail

Nine of the hiking team went to Ashbaugh Park, near the Naches River. This park was a place for young people for many years until it closed for financial reasons. For many years, there was floating on inner tubes down the stream and hiking on the trails. We enjoyed our walk through the forest and near the river. It was cloudy and cold, but we had a pleasant day regardless of the weather. The walk was approximately two miles in length. After the hike, Syndie and Chuck invited us to their beautiful home on Naches Heights for chili, coffee, and a scrumptious dessert. What a wonderful visit! Many outdoor stories were shared. On Monday, December 2nd, we will meet again at 9 a.m. in the YMCA parking lot on 40th Ave. This time, bring your snowshoes just in case! Herb

Ashbaugh Park, near the Naches River

On November 18th, 2024, five hiking team members went to Konnowac Pass near Moxee, WA. The day was cool with broken clouds. This hiking trail, called "Two Trees," was quite easy. The goal was to reach the towers at the top ridge. We succeeded and hiked for almost six miles round trip. It also has an elevation gain of about 800 feet. Doyle Hardy, Syndie Wilson, Nick Schultz, and I spent a pleasant day hiking together. It was a day of distant views and open ridges, non-confined and rich in a fall experience. We recommend this day hike for everyone. Keep moving! Herb

Konnowac Pass, near Moxee WA

On Nov 11th 2024, three hikers took a stroll on a woodsy road for 3 miles. This was once part of the Old Naches road. It now parallels the main highway across the Naches River. If you choose to go, follow highway 410 above Whistling Jack's, about 3 miles to Halfway Flat campground. Cross the bridge and turn left. Stop there and hike the road. The river is close by and near several camp grounds. Jim Harwood, Syndie Wilson and I had a most pleasant day. We shared the fall colors, a sprinkle of rain and life’s conversations. The sun peaked out now and then too. These moments in life give pause to a busy world. A sense of quietness fills your mind and body. You are welcome to follow our path. Let's meet Nov 18th at the YMCA parking lot at 8 am. See you then! Herb

Halfway Flat Campground, A Stoll on a Woodsy Road

On the 4th day of November, our team of seven hikers went back to the Little Rattlesnake Trail. This trail is very distinct for the first two miles. There is limited elevation. The basalt columns along the way are very impressive. You can hear the creek near the path. It is almost spiritual in its sound.

This fall canyon is dressed with golden leaves, tall ridges, and springs. I could hear the comments of wonder as we hiked. As the trail leader, I am glad this experience provided a richness for the day. As we reached the two-mile mark, the team decided to go further.

We went up a steep slope and continued on the original road. This road was once connected to the main canyon road. However, many years ago, a storm brought huge amounts of water down the canyon. This washed away much of the road. After a half-mile along Cow Puncher Ridge, we turned back to eat lunch. After a sprinkle of rain in the morning, we had sun and blue sky.

The elevation for the day was 700 feet, in a hike of five miles. It was a wonderful day! Come and join us for some fun. Herb

Rattlesnake Ridge Cow Puncher Ridge

On October 28th, our hiking team went up the Tieton River Trail. We crossed the metal swinging bridge and were on our way. Doyle Hardy, Sandi Vogel, Nick Schultz, Jim Harwood, and I enjoyed a wonderful day of 4+ miles. It was a day of education about a summer forest fire. Much of the forest along the river was heavily damaged. The charred trees stand as black sentinels pointing skyward. Promises persist, however, near these trees in the form of green vegetation. Life will return! It is obvious that this forest will take many years to recover. There was one miracle, however. The big oak in the meadow was untouched. It has most likely been standing as a monument for over 200 years. This oak has provided shade and given protection from rain and snow, as well as a place to eat our lunch. It has been a real gift of nature. Herb

Tieton River Trail ~ The Promise

On October 21st, our hiking team decided to explore the south ridge of the Rattlesnake Creek Canyon. The day was crisp, with blue skies and a light breeze. The hike was short but very pleasant. These five hikers are very compatible and share many hiking experiences. This ridge gives a great view of the Naches River Valley on Highway 410. We went 1,000 vertical feet above the valley. We could see forever! As the day progressed, a weather front came in from the north, but it never caught up to us. I really appreciate these fall days of color. It is my favorite time of year. It is also most enjoyable to hike with all members of the hiking team. Herb

Rattle Snake Creek Canyon

October 18th, 2024, was the day of choice for a hike to the Twin Sisters Lakes. Sandi, Syndie, Jean, John, Jim, Don, and I went three miles on a lovely trail in the Douglas Forest. We stopped at a peninsula at the second lake. The sun was warm, the lake reflected the surrounding mountains, and a cool breeze carried a hint of fall. The season of hiking is almost over, but we can look forward to snowshoeing soon. Can you picture in your mind the adventures in all the seasons that we have? I can. It keeps me alive!

*In addition, a word of caution: Mushrooms are prevalent in the area right now. Be careful what you collect! Herb

Twin Sisters Lake

On September 23rd to September 25th, Jerry Kobes, Nick Schultz, and I went to Lake Ozette, in the Pacific rainforest, for a beach hike. We stopped at the Ozette ranger station and hiked to Cape Alava on the boardwalk for three miles. The campsite on the beach was perfect. Several deer kept us company nearby. We heard many seals barking, but the lull of the ocean waves put us to sleep.

The next day, the beach hike was arduous but picturesque. Many sea stacks along the way looked eerie in the slight fog. We also hiked through a lot of kelp that had washed up on the beach by a sea storm. The beauty of nature is astounding! Just absorb where you are, hear the sounds, and feel the day... just watch out you don't step in the bear poop!!

We also visited the Makah Indian Museum on the Makah reservation. It is a beautiful building with many interesting artifacts. Well worth the visit for anyone who wants to know more about this Pacific Coast tribe. Herb

Lake Ozette

The September day we chose was a #10. We started the day with a hint of coolness, but lots of blue sky and sun. We went to the White River Trail, up the Basin Valley. It is wide and smooth with glorious views of Mt. Rainier and the Emmons Glacier. After hiking over a mile and a half, we climbed the Emmons Moraine and saw a beautiful azure lake. Sandi, Nick, Jim, and I went 700 vertical feet and just over three miles. Nature has its constant pleasures and provides an insurmountable gift.

Come join us... There are many places that still need to be explored. Herb

Mt. Rainier and the Emmons Glacier

Snow Lake is on the side of a glacial ridge. Many thousands of years ago, a glacier dug a deep depression, which later became a lake. It is a place of natural beauty, approximately 1.5 miles from Stevens Canyon Road. The trail has many cross steps and is well-used. Jim Harwood, Sandi Vogel, and I enjoyed a wonderful day of hiking with a view of Mt. Rainier. Another lake, called Bench Lake, has the distinction of capturing the reflection of Mt. Rainier on a clear day. It is located just off the main trail. We found the effort well worth all the rewards! The scent of fir, the taste of mountain blueberries, and the stillness of this environment filled our souls. Happy hiking, Herb

Snow Lake

Every Monday, Herb Schmidt leads a group on invigorating hikes through diverse terrains. These outings may involve traversing hilly landscapes or exploring a multitude of different trails, providing an exciting change of scenery each week. When winter arrives, the group doesn't retreat indoors. Instead, they swap their hiking boots for snowshoes and transform the frosty landscape into their playground, adding a delightful twist to their regular outdoor activities. The snowshoeing adventures during the winter months offer an exciting way to stay active and enjoy the beauty of nature, even in the chilliest weather. Herb

Little Bald Mountain

Six of the hiking team went to the Water Works Canyon trail on May 6th. The trail is located about three miles beyond the city of Naches on HWY 410. It was a real joy to hike together with friends. Along the way, there were bighorn sheep on the ridge. Flowers were in various stages of bloom during the month of May.

The freshness of the day, broken clouds, and light wind gave us joy to be alive. Hiking is a gift that helps you appreciate our natural environment. We hiked 4.5 miles and reached about 1,000 vertical feet. Seize and find joy in every day! Herb

Water Works Canyon Trail. "Joy"

In life, we have many choices, some with exuberance, others not so much. On April 28th, my wife and I drove to Hood River, OR, and met with our friends, Syndie and Chuck. We proceeded to go for gourmet pizza at Solstice Pizza place, the best pizza place EVER! I can still smell and taste it! The evening was filled with friendship and trail stories. Early on Monday morning, I met with seven members of the hiking team at the Catherine Creek trailhead. This is one of the many trails in the Columbia Gorge. We hiked 4.5 miles in a few sprinkles of rain and sun. The agenda for the day was rainbows, flowers, and soft breezes. We took an opportunity and succeeded!

Much of life is about choices and opportunities. Enjoy the present but have a vision for what could come next. Join us! Herb

Catherine Creek

Things don't always turn out the way you wish. However, what more could you wish for than having good friends, a sunny day, and cool breezes for a hike? Monday, April 22nd, was a fabulous day. The "Hanford Reach" is a place of several choices. We chose to hike near the Columbia River, over several hilltops, and back up the road for a total of five miles. The five of us could not wish for a better adventure! What is your wish? Herb