Finally tried the 'shortcut' around the north side of Lake Serene

It saved me almost two hours, but the trail was way steeper and muddier than the main route (my boots are a mess now). Anyone know a good way to clean dried-on Washington mud?

4 comments

4 Comments

parker_thomas1mo ago

That shortcut is a classic trap for saving time... the extra effort and gear damage usually cancel out any gain. I've found it's better to just stick with the main trail and enjoy the hike.

jamiesullivan1mo ago

Disagree, that shortcut saves me a solid twenty minutes every time. Guess it depends on your gear and how much you like a little bushwhacking.

alexpalmer1mo ago

Sometimes the best part of a hike is the challenge off the beaten path. That shortcut forces you to pay attention and actually engage with the landscape instead of just following a worn track. The main trail can feel like a sidewalk, but a little bushwhacking makes it a real adventure.

jessica33114d ago

Have you tried just letting the mud dry completely and then knocking it off with a stiff brush? That's what I do with my work boots after a day in the rain. Let them sit in the sun for a day, then hit them with a wire brush or even an old butter knife to chip the big chunks off. A little warm water and soap after that gets the rest. Works way better than scraping at wet mud.