While on winter break last week, I decided to drive up US 2 to check on the closure and support a business in Skykomish which has been adversely affected by the severe lack of cross-state traffic since the middle of December. In case you missed it (not sure how you could have) but we had some disastrous flooding that closed many roads in Washington State, including the sections west and east of Stevens Pass along US 2. Here is a news article discussing the road damage.
First I drove up towards the closure at the ranger station in Skykomish and snapped a picture for posterity. At this time, it was thought to be weeks before the road might reopen. I thought about the hikes on the other side that were getting a break, like Beckler Peak and East Fork Foss River.
Then I checked out the Beckler River Road, driving the 6 miles to the junction with the roads to Johnson Ridge and Meadow Creek. There was a culvert washout near the beginning and the usual sunken road sections but the worst thing was branches in the road that no one had bothered to stop and clear and snow beginning about 5 miles in. I was surprised to make it 6 miles in, later in the season it is possible that you can only drive in a mile or so.
Next, I headed into the quaint town of Skykomish and got a coffee at Sky River Cafe. The hubs and I have stopped a few times this past year and find it a warm and inviting cafe. They even have an assortment of treats if one is inclined.
From here I drove back down towards Index and turned onto Index-Galena Road. This was another road hard hit and it is once again closed at the 10 mile marker only having just reopened in 2023. It normally closes for the winter season here but due to the storm the road is washed out. I talk about the road more in this post: A Little Bit Of Snow, Then Sun, Then Snow Again: Timing Is Everything. Luckily today, I only planned to go about half mile to the back door trail to Heybrook Lookout.
Heybrook Lookout has an official trail along US 2 and Heybrook Ridge has a trail that leaves across from the town of Index that has similar views (no lookout access trail). But if you drive past that trailhead about .3 miles, there is a spot to pull in just past Lewis Creek where an old road is gated and you can hike up the back of the ridge to the lookout. I like it because it is a bit more gradual, has a wonderful waterfall and I usually have it to myself. If you have been around long enough, you know I talked about it on this post: Why You Might Not Want To Wear A Skirt Even When Recreating Responsibly.
Today seemed like the perfect day to visit since I was starting out a little later than normal for me (about 9:30am). And wahoo, there was no one at the trailhead!
The route is a little bit longer than the official Heybrook Trail (2.1 miles instead of 1.7) but worth it. Here are a few photos from my hike up:
The snow was deep up enough for snowshoes when I reached the ridge but enough people had been through to create a compact trail so I didn’t need them. However, when I reached the lookout I was glad to have my microspikes to put on because all the traffic there had resulted in a sheet of ice surrounding the base of the lookout. Even the steps were hazardous!
I was surprised to have the lookout to myself but I did notice as I was climbing up that there was a couple turning around rather than attempt the slick steps up from the main trail so the ice may have been a deterrent for some.
I enjoyed the sunshine views and sky piercing peaks from the top for a while before making my way back down again.
Other than the disappearing heads of the couple descending, I didn’t see anyone for the entire hike. Now that we are back to a stretch of gloomy, rainy days I am enjoying looking back at getting out while the skies were blue. Hopefully you were able to get out, too.
And as it would turn out, that the evening after this hike WSDOT announced they would have the road open from Skykomish to Stevens Pass that Sunday (January 4th) and then they actually opened on New Year’s Day. This is good news not only for those hoping to play at the resort but for all the trails on the west side of the pass!
Sticky Cauliflower Rice (Sushi Rice) (I really want to try to make paleo musubi.)
One Day Everyone Will Be Against This (So many good nuggets, listened on audio but plan to buy a copy)
White Chuck Bench (A local vlogger on a familiar trail.)
Plan For Someone Else To Care For Your Child If You Can’t (With people being abducted off the streets, part of my job is helping parents be prepared.)
Quick And Easy Paleo Pizza Crust (It wasn’t too bad, might make thinner next time for a crisp crust.)
Bike Camping On San Juan Island (It was fun to see how he visited where we were in 2024.)
Nom Nom Paleo January 2026 Cooking Challenge (Just for the recipe inspo.)
A 5-Mile-Deep Sandstone Bed In Leavenworth (The terrain has to be close to Sauer’s Mountain if not on it?)
My Retro Coffee Cruiser Bike & Everyday Morning Loop (A casual bike ride in Scotland!)
The 6th of January (Yasgar’s Farm) (I have always loved Amy Grant, this song is just one more reason why.)
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