Manastash

I'm going to upload a few more photos today of a hike to Manastash. Let me give you a topographical view first.

Manastash is south and east of town, just a few miles. It's not a straight up and down climb, per se, but it is pretty close.  All told, the hike from bottom to top is only about 2.5 miles. The Washington Trails Association says 4 miles out and back, but my fitbit says different. The elevation gain is 1,700 feet. And yeah, my hamstrings will tell you that's about right! The 4-5 miles is really doable for a beginner, but the vertical change is insane and if this is a first hike for you, just go part way.

Here is the view of top from the bottom.  Doesn't look like much.

Here is the view of the bottom from the top.  A little more impressive.  And look at those wildflowers!

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This is about 1/4 of the way up.

 Looking back from the 1/4 marker.

No, I haven't tilted the camera. That's the vertical change. Husband for scale.

 Nothing to see here, just a bunch of gorgeous wildflowers and their buzzing bees running the world.

 Trees that grow on an angle.

This is after the hard part of climbing, about 3/4 of the way there.

 At the top, looking West towards Seattle. That road leads to Leavenworth through those mountains.

 Looking East towards Kittitas.

And a perfect little cactus flower no bigger than the palm of my hand.

And just because they are enchanting, pictures of the flora decorating our path.