BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Palaner//palaner Single Event//EN
METHOD:PUBLISH
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
BEGIN:VEVENT
UID:meetup-dfc3a1bf3f@palaner.app
DTSTAMP:20260802T141826Z
DTSTART:20260802T164500Z
DTEND:20260802T184500Z
SUMMARY:Wildlife Spotting Series - Part 1: Gem Lake via Snow Lake
LOCATION:Green Lake Park-and-Ride
DESCRIPTION:Saved in Palaner as: saved\n\nPalaner match: 44% · why: lots of
  people going · good weather for it\n\nDate: August 2\, 2026 (Sunday)\nMee
 tup Location: Green Lake Park & Ride\nMeet Time: 9:45 AM (Please arrive on
  time. We'll leave promptly at 10:00 AM.)\n\nJoin for Part 1 of our Wildli
 fe Spotting Hiking Series! This adventure takes us to the stunning Gem Lak
 e via Snow Lake\, one of Washington's most scenic alpine hikes. We'll hike
  through lush forests\, granite boulder fields\, alpine meadows\, and spar
 kling mountain lakes while keeping an eye out for some of the area's cutes
 t alpine wildlife.\n\nWildlife We Hope to Spot\n\nPikas darting between th
 e talus rocks\nMarmots relaxing on sun-warmed boulders\nMountain birds soa
 ring over the alpine ridges\n\nThis hike is the perfect introduction to ou
 r wildlife series before Part 2: Cascade Pass & Sahale Arm\, where we'll b
 e searching for the famous Mountain Goats in one of Washington's most spec
 tacular alpine environments.\n\n\n\nAbout the Hike\n\nGem Lake sits high a
 bove Snow Lake at the base of Wright Mountain and offers breathtaking alpi
 ne scenery. We'll first hike to the iconic Snow Lake before continuing bey
 ond the crowds to the quieter and equally beautiful Gem Lake.\n\nAlong the
  way we'll enjoy:\nCrystal-clear alpine lakes\nExpansive mountain views\nB
 eautiful alpine meadows\nMassive granite talus fields\nExcellent wildlife 
 viewing opportunities\nOne of the most scenic day hikes near Seattle\n\nWh
 ile Snow Lake is one of Washington's busiest trails\, many hikers stop the
 re\, leaving the trail to Gem Lake much quieter and more peaceful.\n\nDist
 ance: 10 miles round trip\nElevation Gain: 2\,800 feet\nDifficulty: Modera
 te to Challenging\n\nGem Lake — Washington Trails Association\n\nGem Lake 
 via Snow Lake and High Lakes Trail\, Washington - 3\,055 Reviews\, Map | A
 llTrails\n\nThis hike is recommended for hikers who are comfortable hiking
  10 miles with sustained elevation gain.\n\n\n\nSchedule\n\n9:45 AM – Meet
  at Green Lake Park & Ride\n\n10:00 AM – Depart\n\nDrive time to the Alpen
 tal Trailhead is approximately 1 hour.\nWe'll make a quick stop at Safeway
  along the way so everyone can grab:\n\nWater\nCoffee\nSnacks\nAny last-mi
 nute supplies\n\nGoogle Maps Route (Park & Ride → Safeway → Trailhead):\nh
 ttps://maps.app.goo.gl/EfQWVUBkTrpFPUtU9?gst=iw\n\n\n\nCarpool Information
 \n\nCarpooling is encouraged!\nTotal carpool cost (gas + wear & tear): $30
 \n\n\n\nParking Pass\n\nA valid Northwest Forest Pass or America the Beaut
 iful Pass is required for vehicles parked at the Trailhead.\n\n\n\nBug Ale
 rt\n\nMosquitoes become much more active after reaching Snow Lake\, especi
 ally near Gem Lake and whenever the group stops for breaks.\n\nTo make you
 r hike much more enjoyable:\nApply bug spray before starting the hike (Pic
 aridin or DEET recommended)\nWear lightweight long sleeves and long pants 
 if possible\nBring a head net if mosquitoes usually find you irresistible\
 nKeep moving in buggy areas rather than standing still for long periods\nT
 rekking poles are highly recommended for the rocky terrain and steeper sec
 tions\n\n\n\nWhat to Bring\n\n2–3 liters of water\nLunch\nTrail snacks\nHi
 king boots or trail runners\nWarm layers\nRain jacket (mountain weather ca
 n change quickly)\nHat & sunglasses\nSunscreen\nBug spray\nTrekking poles 
 (recommended)\n\n\n\nTrail Etiquette\n\nSnow Lake is one of the most popul
 ar hikes in Washington\, especially on weekends. Expect to encounter many 
 hikers during the first part of the trail.\n\nLet's help everyone enjoy th
 e outdoors by:\n\nPracticing Leave No Trace principles\nKeeping noise leve
 ls low (please\, no speakers)\nRespecting other hikers\nGiving way to hike
 rs coming up the trail\n\n\n\nWhy Join?\n\nThis isn't just another lake hi
 ke.\nIt's the beginning of our Wildlife Spotting Series\, combining specta
 cular alpine scenery with the chance to observe Washington's unique mounta
 in wildlife in its natural habitat.\nFrom sparkling lakes and colorful alp
 ine meadows to playful pikas and curious marmots\, every mile offers somet
 hing memorable. Whether you're here for the photography\, the wildlife\, t
 he mountain views\, or simply a great day outdoors with fellow hikers\, th
 is adventure has something for everyone.\nLet's kick off the series with o
 ne of the most beautiful alpine hikes in the Cascades!\n\n\n\nDisclaimer\n
 \nBy RSVPing and attending\, you acknowledge that you are responsible for 
 your own safety. Know your physical limits\, come prepared\, and help us m
 ake this a fun and safe adventure for everyone.
URL:https://www.meetup.com/washingtonweekends/events/315867952/
CATEGORIES:palaner,saved
STATUS:TENTATIVE
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR