Getting Started in Touring

Thanks for the responses guys. Lots of good info here.

I will definitely take up the offers for beer and shuttle traded for some company, once I get my gear together. Thanks for the generous offers!

Could I get a little more information about the Hyak area? I'm not finding much in the way of beta or maps about the routes and options around Hyak. I know there are XC routes at the Summit nordic center and Iron Horse trail ....

Would love some info about camping options along the iron horse, that looks like a great intro overnight trip.

Thanks again,
-b

... just hang out and post comments, no skills required...

LOL

Beer is for pussies...microbrews are for hipster pussies.  Bring good whiskey, ganja and gas money and I'll take you up freakin' Rainier if you want.

Edit: Not sure if I'm allowed to say "pussies" on this site. Sorry. 

Not really my favorite, burns, no, but not the end of the world.

Could I get a little more information about the Hyak area? 

Isn't it now called Summit East?  Not much to know.  I toured there once with no info; so can you.  Get bindings and skins, go to Snoqualmie Pass, take either summit exit, go to the last area closed on weekdays, look at a trail map, head up and right, reverse your tracks, and you are a backcountry skier. 
Then buy your avy gear and post for partners.   

On a more serious note: definitely take these guys up on their offers. It is really cool of them to put it out there to a stranger. Also, may I suggest a look at some short books on avy awareness. You don't need to be an expert, but a good healthy fear of moving snow is a good thing to have when starting out. Suggestions: "Snow Sense" or "Backcountry Avalanche Awareness". And whiskey. Not beer. It's much lighter.