Despite us living here in the Pacific Northwest of North America, and having traversed a lot of it, something new appeared to us yesterday about this vast region that was quite interesting. To preface this find, we should probably start out by explaining how much of this part of the earth is covered by trees: 24 .7 million acres to be exact. And 47% of the entire USA is uninhabited. 80 per cent of Canada is uninhabited. But, still the planet is on fire despite these (what should be) calming numbers. Will there be a mad rush to these forests as global warming does its destructive job? Let’s hope not, but the odds don’t seem to be good anymore. And that’s just this part of the planet.
So, it was thought-provoking for us to discover recently the quiet importance of Three Fingers. The Three Fingers is a mountain which is located in Snohomish County, Washington. At a height of 6,859 feet (2,091 m), it is the 12th most prominent peak of the state, and is also part of the Cascade Range. “Three Fingers” refers to the mountain’s three summits. One of the characteristics of this barren place is that it is an incredible challenge for hikers. The mountain is used for recreational climbing, with a 15-mile-long (24 km) round-trip trail originating on the east side at a trailhead on the Mountain Loop Highway.[5]
If you manage to make the climb, you’ll be treated to some of the most breathtaking scenery in this part of the planet. But, if you’re truly keen, you can go one step further and stay at the hut at the summit. Go prepared – there is nothing in the hut but a chair and a table.
The map, above, doesn’t give you much to go on, so we recommend using the excellent AllTrails mapping tools. Crowd-sourced, AllTrails will become your best friend on outings like this. Click here for that.
You may not want to take the the family, but if you do, Hertz has the vehicle for you. Click here.
Take the right kit with you. Mountain Warehouse is your best source. Click here.
Main image courtesy of By SounderBruce from Seattle, United States; click here.