Blanchard to Larrabee and Back
With snow covering all our peaks and wet weather hindering our traction, I decided to just go exploring. I found a weather window and I planned a route to cover single track at the Blanchard State Forest, along with single track at Larrabee State Park, and then enjoy the views of the Sound along Chuckanut Drive. I started at the Upper Blanchard Lot and headed up the east road to the Tango Waypoint and descended the British Army Trail and Lost Sailor Trail and then began taking roads and trails to finally end up on a section of the Lost Lake Trail in Larrabee to climb and descend down to the Double Down trail. All the roots and rocks today were greasy and Double Down was a little too risky for me in a couple spots but was enjoyable. After reaching the trailhead and lot, I began the ride down Chuckanut Drive (not much shoulder in spots but traffic was minimal) to get to the steep switchback trail that climbs to the Samish Overlook for the views. That trail section was mostly hiking since the roots, rocks, and leaves were too obstructive for finding a good climbing rhythm. Once at the Overlook, I got my pictures and then started back to the car by trail but ultimately stuck to the road to get to the car and my lunch quicker. No rain today, just a little less traction than I wanted. The GPS track and pictures are located here.