Nason Ridge Rush: Reflections From an 18 Mile Day in the Central Cascades

Trip Report

We started at Merritt Lake Trailhead, hiking up switchback after switchback for a handful of miles to reach our only water source—a pair of alpine lakes—before reaching Nason Ridge, which we then followed for a dozen miles while gradually descending to picturesque Lake Wenatchee.

On the trail with me was Nate Hoe, owner operator of Seattle outdoor shop Windthrow, Los Angeles-endurance athlete Jenn Whalen, Mountain Hardwear athlete and pro snowboarder Jake Kuyzk, photographer Alex Guiry, along with Cale Meyer and Emilé Zynobia from Hardwear’s marketing team. It was a fast-friends type of crew that brought a playful energy to the trip. And I was grateful for the light-hearted nature of it all—the perfect pairing for a long day out on trail among alpine lakes and old growth evergreens.

With our route clear, trail empty, and views aplenty, expectations naturally shifted from the fastest time to the funnest day as we dilly dallied away long sections of the trail before leaning fully into the mood at the midway point, a historic wildfire lookout tower. Situated at the ridge’s highest point (6,204'), the active lookout offered sweeping 360-degree views of the surrounding area and offered some welcomed shade. This proved the perfect spot for lunch, story time, and even a quick cat nap on hot rocks.

It was all downhill from then on. In a good way.

Gear Testing

Our goals with this trip, led by Field Mag in collaboration with Mountain Hardwear, were to foster community building by way of shared exertion and to test and document The Nut’s new Cold Weather Trail Collection. So let’s dig into the gear.

I wore the Crater Lake Heavyweight Half Zip Hoody the whole day, which speaks to its versatility and adaptability. This gridded fleece offers sun coverage and heat retention, making it particularly perfect for high output efforts during cold seasons. On my back was the Lickety Split 20L Pack, a quick favorite and mainstay in my pack arsenal for both leisure hikes and days when I’m out photographing racing in rugged country. Its durability and size combined with the running vest style straps makes it an easy favorite.

In my pack was water, plenty of snacks, my Super 8 camera, other digital camera equipment, and additional layers. Among those layers were the Kor Alloy Jacket and Airmesh Long Sleeve, offering both an insulated outer layer and an additional lightweight midlayer. Having these on deck was key for moments when wind picked up and clouds rolled in. Together, the kit proved perfect for the varied and unpredictable weather that fall in the Cascades can bring.

Final Reflections

Time on trail always offers my favorite type of connection. It’s a beautiful way of spending intentional time with oneself, the land, and the people we share the trail with. This trip was a blend of quiet reflection and playful camaraderie. Traveling 18 miles on trail can only be covered by putting one foot in front of another, for as long as it takes. This offers that familiar rhythmic meditative movement I know and crave.

Going with a group allows for a fun and engaging way of real time sharing. We’re a team out there, we stop to filter water and enjoy our lunch together, we check in and encourage each other, admire the views, point out the cool and interesting plants, make sure everyone smells the ponderosa, jump in the lake together, and relish in the accomplishment at the end of the day.

As an ultrarunning photographer, trail running guide, and mountain dweller, days like this have become the norm in my life. And yet, the impact of each experience never dulls. I am always grateful for these times I get to be out, observe, engage, and document.