This week, an onlooker drinking in the view from the Base Area is greeted by a mountain in transition. Gazing up at over 2000 feet of vertical gain, the lush green shades of new life brighten the lower mountain, while far above, Windy Ridge and Microwave are clinging resolutely to the fading vestige of winter. Figuring it was time to get a closer look, I set off up the Summer Road to observe the conditions for myself.
Below Midway, the Summer Road is living up to its name admirably as it traverses the south-facing lower slopes of the mountain. Snow-free and mostly dry, it’s a very pleasant walk that shows off the expedited spring on this sun-soaked slope aspect. Here, the first, hardiest lupines of the season are already starting to bloom at this elevation, and high temperatures have been hovering in the 50s this week – perfect for the moderate-grade ascent that this route provides.
When I reached Midway, I encountered significant snow for the first time and headed directly up the Chair 2 liftline, intent on exploring the higher elevations and potentially popping my skis on for a quick descent later. Unsurprisingly, the ease of travel quickly deteriorated, with snow, mud, and scree intermingling as I ascended. Winter isn’t letting go of the upper mountain too easily!
As is the case in every season, the summit afforded spectacular views into the Columbia River valley and northwest towards the Enchantments, plus a fun ski descent of Chair 2 terrain (with a few interruptions from some bare spots).
All in all, this was a fun afternoon excursion and a lovely excuse to get out on the mountain. For those hoping to hike under clear skies this weekend, Sunday is looking like the best day. With the exception of committed post-season turn-earners who are prepared for highly variable, wintry conditions, I think most people would find the portion of the Summer Road below Midway or the Lake Clara Trail to be the most pleasant hikes presently accessible from the Base Area.
Speaking of Lake Clara, I hiked part of that trail yesterday. It’s in similar condition to last week’s report, with modest additional melting. The ephemeral glacier lilies are beginning to dry out on the lower slopes and are following the retreating snowpack up the mountain quickly, so come admire them while you can!
I’ll be traveling for the next couple weeks so there may or may not be new Mountain Reports published, but I’ll be back in early June to celebrate the Summer Grand Opening of the Chair 5 Pub at Mission Ridge, and I’ll make sure to keep you updated on conditions heading into the big day on June 6th!
Forecast
Friday 5/16: Partly sunny, with a high near 52. Northwest wind 9 to 13 mph.
Saturday 5/17: A chance of showers, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 11am. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 48. West wind 7 to 10 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.
Sunday 5/18: Sunny, with a high near 50. Breezy.
Chair 5 Pub Schedule
The Grand Opening of the Chair 5 Pub at Mission Ridge is on June 6th! The restaurant will be closed throughout May. Beginning in June, hours will be Fridays from 4pm–9pm, Saturdays from 11am–9pm, and Sundays from 9am–2pm.
No chairlifts will run during the off-season.
Off-Season Access Policy
During the off-season, public access within the Mission Ridge Special Use Permit area is permitted except where restricted due to maintenance and construction. We love seeing the Mission Ridge community in the mountains and on the trails year-round, but please make sure to check out the full access policy by clicking the link below.
