source lake uphill dog park trail

Pete, the source lake trail policy reads as such;
The trail is located within the Alpental Ski Area Special Use Permit Boundries and is designated for Downhill Ski Traffic Only.

Not to beat the dead horse, but it's worth sharing what Gib had to say on the Summit uphill travel policy sticky thread :

For getting further afield - even though "technically" you might be skirting along and somewhat through our permit area, we do not preclude you from heading up the South Fork valley towards Source Lake in order to access points beyond our operating area.  ie   Great Scott, The Tooth, Chair Peak, Kaleetan, etc.  But the savvy traveller must be aware that all of the left hand slopes are avalanche prone terrain and may in fact have very happy little triggers riding every feature.  Natural and human triggered slides have often endangered and trashed those commonly used up-valley skin and snowshoe routes.  We ask that you stay trail right when on the groomed return trails and once those peter out you should make your own way rather than following the downhill ski area return tracks.  VERY hazardous high speed (sometimes less-skilled) oncoming traffic will be on those tracks.

I like that gib calls us happy little triggers:-)


My original point, was triggered over the weeks from witnessing groups of equipment rich young people, that were using lot4 as their base to explore the backcountry. Many, appeared very avalanche and weather savvy, by the looks of their gear and had very expensive snow travel tools.
The interesting part was seeing the different way those that brought their dogs behaved. Some owners were very courteous, kept their animal close and usually had or was using a leash. Some owners knew their animals habits and attempted to not have their animal be a nuisance, 50/50 successful.
The owners of most concern were those that felt as if the trail is an off-leash dog area and showed NO concern for the people their animal comes in contact with.
these are my observations and are in no way scientific or fact, this I know.

Who cares about the cost of their tools, but yeah that sounds like a typical spread of human behavior. Years ago I took my dogs up that way and kept them on leash and to my right on the edge of the trail while climbing, as much for their own protection as for the sake of courtesy. Those clueless owners aren't taking good care of their loyal companions, which is the truly big bummer to me, though I also understand why out is annoying to you, and even dangerous to those who tuck and go 40 along there. Last time I skied out that route, a few weekends ago, the snowshoers and booters were the real obstacles to avoid.

I'm sorry to hear you never found rainy pete. I still remember her handing Kololo her first butt whoopin on the summit of rock mountain. Don't mess with another dogs smoked salmon!

I like touring with my dog, but go through great lengths to make sure she is not a problem. Never has been, and she rarely gets leashed. I've gotten nothing more then hellos from Stevens pass patrol by choosing the appropriate days, time, and routes. (Is, early/ late season, partial openings, etc.). I don't think I would consider taking an unleashed dog head on vrs unknown ski traffic, like in the source lake trail. For the safety of all.

Similar might be Heather ridge, as far as the scene goes... Minus the resort traffic. I guess it's how you view it all. I see happy people doing their things in snow, having fun. I smile, wave, say hello, to pretty everyone, snow shoes, machines, k9', regardless. I don't want to judge, and harsh someone elses good time. Even though I may quietly complain of a ruined skintrack.

www.turns-all-year.com/skiing_snowboardi...ex.php?topic=28866.0

I could have posted a rant about how this aggressive brown dog came charging out of the woods, barking at me. I was solo, and my first primal response was "bear!"... But no, I I took knee, produced some treats. Had nothing but smiles and hellos , and highfives for the k9's companions. Thanked the youngest of the group for the boot pack..

See above post, couple pics down. Most handsome fellow in photo was on top, drinking whiskey with me.

She does look like a lil teddy:-)
Thanks for not taking her out on the narrow trail back to windy pass.
That was a great spring for skiing!