Hiking – Evergreen Mountain

Meeting Location:  Alderfer/Three Sisters WEST Trailhead, which is the parking lot at 5136 South Le Masters Road, Evergreen.  

Meeting Time:  6:30 a.m. near the restrooms at the parking lot for intros and short briefing. Be geared up and ready to go by 6:30.  If you need to use the restroom, please arrive earlier.  

Departure Time:  6:45 a.m. (if you arrive after 6:45 we will be gone, so please don't try to catch up).  

Route Preview:  From the parking lot, we will take the west side of the Wild Iris Loop about 0.3 miles to the Evergreen Mtn. West Trail (1.1 miles), and then hook up with the Summit Trail which is approximately 0.7 miles to the top.  Less than 2 miles to the top for a RT hike of less than 4 miles.  Elevation gain is approximately 550 feet.  

Hike Description: 

• We will have a nice leisurely, but steady hike to the top. 
• NOTE:  there tends to be mountain bikers on this trail, so please make sure to stay single-file. 
• We will stop about 20 minutes into the hike for a layer and water break. 
• Once at the top, we have a fairly open space with several rocks, where we can stop.  I'll provide a brief overview of mindfulness meditation and its application to daily life (including the outdoors), and then we will practice a 15-20 minute meditation.  We will be stationary at the top for about 30 minutes, so plan accordingly with food, water, and layers.
• Then we will head back down the way we came.  Before heading down, we can discuss whether participants would like to do a silent hike on the way down.  

What to bring:

• In addition to your 10 Essentials (including layers in case it's windy or more chilly at the top during our meditation), you may want to bring a pad to sit on for the talk and meditation.
• Alternatively, you can sit on your backpack. 
• Hiking poles, which can help on the climb up and down.  

Alternative Parking: If the West Parking lot is full, you will have to park at the East lot (the main entrance to Alderfer/Three Sisters) and walk to the West parking lot, which is a little less than a mile down the road.  So please make sure to arrive early to catch a spot at the West Trailhead.  

Any issues the morning of or nite before:  Text me (Michele Walter) at 703-599-4797 and make sure to tell me your name.  This is the fastest way to reach me.