Monday, July 10, 2006

West Cabin Creek Peak, Thomas Mt.

I had an ambitious day planned and with a full day to devote to it. I made my way over a rainy Snoqualmie Pass. I wasn't concerned,in fact, if it rained it would be much better than recent hot weather. The goal was for a loop trip starting with Kachess Ridge trail with a summit bid for West French Cabin Mt. and finishing over Thomas Mt. and out the Easton Ridge trail. The weather couldn't have been more ideal as I made my way along Silver Creek. It was mostly sunny but only in the upper 60's with enough wind to keep the mosquitoes at bay. I made good time to Silver Creek Tie, too bad for me I walked right past it. I started to feel like I may have gone too far when I recrossed Silver Creek. I backtracked a bit to a quite obvious junction. I just couldn't believe I could have missed it. I made my way to where the trail crests the South Ridge of The West Peak of French Cabin Mt. I dropped pack and I had hoped to stay on the ridge to the summit. I wasn't thrilled with the rocky ridge so I contoured on the moderate west slopes. I found a heathery gully that took me easily to the 5724 foot summit which ranks it #48 on the Homecourt List. I dropped quickly back to my pack and turned my attention to the next peak on the ridge (pt 5563). I dropped into the basin which still had some patchy snow covering the trail. I soon topped out at (pt 5563 )which is a nice vantage point affording some nice views of the area peaks. My next goal was for a summit of The South Peak which is mostly forested and is nearly summitted by The Domerie Ridge Trail. I only stayed for a moment because the views were mostly obstructed by trees. Next was the long ridge leading towards Thomas Mt (#81 on the Homecourt List), the ridge has many ups and downs but the trail is quite easy to follow. I wasn't looking forward to the 800ft climb to the summit but soon I was back for a return visit to the summit that I had climbed some years ago. I now turned by attention to the to the long descent to the truck. I wasn't thrilled with the short climb to the junction near 5000ft but that was much easier than the steep portions of the descent. I had forgotten how steep portions of the trail are. I took my time and soon I was back to the truck. Be wary there is no water for the majority of this loop. I was thankful I had taken some extra water for my thirsty pups.








Approx 16 miles 4800ft of climb 8 hours car to car.

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