Matt Kurjanowicz

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2015-05-07 - Dirty Harry's Balcony via Birdhouse Trail

Dirty Harry's Balcony is one of my favorite places to go on a summer evening. Getting there involves a small hike of decent length with moderate elevation gain and it has a nice payoff at the end. I get to combine my exercise with a view. There are two ways to get to the balcony: a traditional route up Dirty Harry's old logging road and a series of climbers trails. Apparently there was a bird study off the climbers trails at some time in the past and someone put out some bird houses, hence the name the birdhouse trail. I have tried following the Birdhouse trail several times in the past but on each occasion I ran out of time exploring the side spurs. After studying more trail reports and maps, I was confident this was the time I'd successfully route find my way to the balcony. Thankfully Scott Mac was present when we started and was able to give us the down low on the route. Briefing in hand, we began up the trail.

It didn't take long to figure out that this is a new favorite! The birdhouse trail is significantly more interesting than the road. It's got more variety and way better views. While the correct trail can at times be a bit difficult to follow, just remember to go left and go uphill. I was also concerned to find a few spots where the trail loses elevation fairly rapidly. Turns out this is just the trail hopping from one little mini-ridge to another.

We found several clear spots on the trail that led to Westerly views of Snoqualmie valley, making the trail perfect for sunset hikes.

While the weather predicted showers and at times the possibilities of thunderstorms, we remained dry. The clouds and moisture in the air played with the light giving us wonderful views of the valley.

A+, would do again.
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  • The group enjoying the trail, about halfway up.

    The group enjoying the trail, about halfway up.

  • The birdhouse trail provides wonderful peek-a-boo views of the snoqualmie valley. The recent rain fall and clouds mixed with the setting sun to shed idyllic light on the environ.

    The birdhouse trail provides wonderful peek-a-boo views of the snoqualmie valley. The recent rain fall and clouds mixed with the setting sun to shed idyllic light on the environ.

  • Diana at a viewpoint, about halfway up the trial. This is a wonderful sunset hike.

    Diana at a viewpoint, about halfway up the trial. This is a wonderful sunset hike.

  • One of the bird houses along the trail. It looks like we'll need to get a work party together to recoup the houses.

    One of the bird houses along the trail. It looks like we'll need to get a work party together to recoup the houses.

  • Elena at one of the view points along the trail. This was at the top of a climbing wall, we just didn't know exactly which one. Low clouds and fog obscured the view of the normal valley surround.

    Elena at one of the view points along the trail. This was at the top of a climbing wall, we just didn't know exactly which one. Low clouds and fog obscured the view of the normal valley surround.

  • The group at Dirty Harry's Balcony. We took the old logging road down back to the cars. The contrast between the trails was stark. The birdhouse trail was characterized by peek-a-boo views, steep segments, the occasional climbing wall, open woods, ridge runs, and soft tread. The road is generally hidden in the woods with a hard tread full of ankle-busting rocks. While the birdhouse trail is a bit difficult to follow at times, the experience is significantly better!

    The group at Dirty Harry's Balcony. We took the old logging road down back to the cars. The contrast between the trails was stark. The birdhouse trail was characterized by peek-a-boo views, steep segments, the occasional climbing wall, open woods, ridge runs, and soft tread. The road is generally hidden in the woods with a hard tread full of ankle-busting rocks. While the birdhouse trail is a bit difficult to follow at times, the experience is significantly better!

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    One of the bird houses along the trail. It looks like we'll need to get a work party together to recoup the houses.
    Elena at one of the view points along the trail. This was at the top of a climbing wall, we just didn't know exactly which one. Low clouds and fog obscured the view of the normal valley surround.
    The group at Dirty Harry's Balcony. We took the old logging road down back to the cars. The contrast between the trails was stark. The birdhouse trail was characterized by peek-a-boo views, steep segments, the occasional climbing wall, open woods, ridge runs, and soft tread. The road is generally hidden in the woods with a hard tread full of ankle-busting rocks. While the birdhouse trail is a bit difficult to follow at times, the experience is significantly better!