"I wonder where this old road goes," Karen said. Today she and I hiked 7.8 miles with over 2,500 feet of elevation gain and loss.

On weekends, mountain bikers swarm Squilchuck State Park. We effectively sidestepped mountain bikers by climbing up an extremely steep, washed out gravel road to a high ridge. No other people were up there. Perfect.

Descending, tiny rocks like ball bearings made it very slippery. Our feet would shoot out from under us. Plus, it was extremely steep.

So Karen and I sidestepped down through the woods beside the road whenever possible. Dry plants crunched underfoot. Glad I had two hiking poles. We made it down safely.

"This would be great for snowshoeing," I said. Karen agreed. Steep trails are easier on snowshoes.

A helicopter zoomed overhead pulling a big bucket. Where was it going? High fire danger today with winds and tinder-dry conditions.

Photos:

1. Bear Rocks.

2. A dried Pine Drop plant.

3. We made it to the high saddle on the left. Usually we hike below the rocky cliffs.

4. Wild Rose hips, a sign of Fall.