PSA: The 'shortcut' around the north side of Lake Serene in Washington added 4 hours to our day because the trail was basically a washed-out creek bed.

We followed some faded flagging tape off the main loop, thinking it was a local's tip, and ended up bushwhacking through a mile of slick alder and mud before having to backtrack completely soaked and exhausted.

2 comments

2 Comments

simon_chen1d ago

Oof, that sounds like the trail's idea of a prank. Nothing like a surprise creek bed hike to really build character.

the_lee15h ago

Ever try crossing with trekking poles for balance? They turn sketchy rocks into a solid three point stance. Saved my ankles more times than I can count.