State Sen. Brad Hawkins donned hiking shoes and athletic shorts instead of his usual suit and tie as he joined about 60 residents of the Wenatchee Valley on a hike up Saddle Rock on Saturday, Oct. 7.

The hike was the final leg of a two-day tour that Hawkins was taking of the Washington State 12th Legislative District, which Hawkins represents in the Washington State Senate. District 12 consists of Chelan and Douglas Counties, and portions of Grant and Okanogan Counties.

“I thought that the hike would be a good way to finish [the tour] off, because Saddle Rock is a very iconic landmark in the Wenatchee Valley. I have very fond memories as a young boy hiking up here,” Hawkins said.

In addition to the hike being an activity to conclude his tour, Hawkins pointed out that it was also to commemorate the addition of a new parking lot and trailhead facilities at the Appleatchee Saddle Rock trailhead.

“It wasn’t too long ago that the only spot available [for parking] was a small gravel parking lot and one small outhouse. Now we have multiple restrooms and nice facilities,” he said.

Hawkins also acknowledged the role that the trail systems in the Wenatchee Valley have played not only in his life as a graduate of the Wenatchee High School Class of 1994, but also in the lives of many other citizens.

“It’s very much an increasing part of our community identity. It was part of helping to make me who I am, so it’s part of me. I think that it will be part of future generations as well,” he said.

Gov. Jay Inslee was also expected to attend, but a last minute change of plans prevented him from making the journey across the Cascades. Regardless, Hawkins expressed his pleasure in the opportunity to take a step away from the typical activities of a politician.

“I thought it would be fun to put politics aside for a little, breathe some fresh air, and get a chance to connect in a different way,” Hawkins said about the event.