Goldwater Peak 2.5.07

Goldwater Peak (aka Johnson Peak)#88 on the Homecourt 100 is nearly due North of Teanaway Butte high above Jungle Creek. I have made two attempts on this peak in the last month. Since I had done most of the trail breaking I was more hopeful for today's attempt. The weather was very springlike. Although it was cool in the valley there was a fairly strong inversion making the upper portions of the climb quite warm. I followed Jungle Creek Road until 3200ft where I left the road. I took a more direct line to reconnect with the 4wd road at 4200ft. I followed the trail to around 4600ft. I stayed on the subtle ridge to reach the summit ridge. Once I reached the summit ridge I then traversed West to reach the true summit area. I was quite concerned because of the warm weather and the cornices that adorned the summit ridge. I could easily circumvent them but I couldn't guarantee the safety of by four legged companions. I could just see the dog's helping the the cornices to release. I contemplated on whether or not to climb the summit block to reach the true summit. The summit block was a little airy but it was only another 20ft of elevation, I decided I didn't feel it prudent to continue. I had hoped to continue on to Malcolm Mt. but with the soft snow conditions and with Tanner still having foot issues I took a pass. I will finish the peak later in the year when I return to do Malcolm Mt. The drop to the Jungle Creek Road went very quickly and soon I was making my way back to the car on the endless road.








Approx 13miles 2700ft of climb 6:30 car to car

Welldigger's Ass 1.29.07

With the wonderful snow conditions and the mostly fair weather I was planning a multiple summit day. I have read some recent reports so I was fairly certain the route would be well broken saving much needed time and energy. I parked 1.6 miles after cresting Stevens Pass. There is plenty of free parking and my route started right behind the staff housing. I was hoping to reach the ridge and then head south for a summit of Big Chief and then retrace my steps along the ridge to reach Welldigger's Ass (pt 5273). There is a well worn snowshoe track that climbs the road that leads to the old Yodelin Ski slopes. Some of the buildings are still intact and made for an interesting side sight. The area was devastated by an avalanche in 1971 killing 4 and burying many more. It is still one of the most deadly avalanches in Washington History. As I was about to start heading south I noticed Tanner had reaggrevated a previous foot injury and was again bleeding quite heavily. He has struggled with this injury the last 3 weeks. I was again forced to change plans. The injury doesn't appear to give him pain so I decided that I could at least make an attempt of Welldigger's Ass ranking it #87 on the Backcourt list. I made my way to the saddle between my summit and Pt. 5023 and dropped pack. I easily made my way the last 400ft to the mostly flat treed summit. I continued on until I hit the high point which afforded no views. I retraced my route to my pack and briefly considered at least climbing Pt. 5023. My worry for my dog's bleeding paw won out and merely plunged stepped my way back to the car. I sure enjoyed not having to break trail making for a quick roundtrip. In my research I have not found the origins of the distinctive name of this peak.




approx 6 miles 1700ft of climb 2:45 car to car

Jungle Creek Road 1.22.07

After last weeks attempt I was back to take advantage of the 2 miles I had already bulldozed. I was happy to find 25+ degree warmer temps than last week. I decided to try and ski the portion I did last week. I was happy to shave a full half hour off of my previous weeks time to my stopping point. I changed to snowshoes since I once again was forced to break trail. The Jungle Creek Road only climbs about 600 ft of elevation in the first 4 miles which took me nearly 3 hours due to the slow conditons. At 3200ft I left the road and made my way up the open and mostly easy grade. I climbed to around 3700ft and reached my turnaround time. I had hoped to make my way to Goldwater Peak, but I sadly didn't have adequate time. I enjoyed plunge stepping my way back to the road. I returned to my skiis and and switched back for the final few miles.








approx 10 miles 1100ft of climb 5:30 car to car

Jungle Creek Road 1.15.07

I had some much loftier goals for the day, but sometimes the day will conspire against you. Today was one such day. I was on the road by 7:30 and made my way up the good roads to Snoqualmie Pass. The wind buffeted me along the way. It made for some tricky driving. The temp was a balmy 11 degrees as I made my way to the Eastern Side. The goal was for a summit of Goldwater Peak Pt 5220 and if conditions were good a ridge walk to Malcolm Mt. Right from the start I had multiple problems with equipment and the dogs were not caring for the single digit temps. It was so cold that both My Ipod and camera quit working. I was so layered up that it was quite comfortable for me. I turned off the snowmobile track to the unbroken Jungle Creek Road. I had both hoped for and expected some fast crusty snow. I was instead treated to deep powdery snow. The Beagle started lagging further and further behind. I had to stop and wait for the trooper more than a few times. My hope was that the snow would improve higher up and will the bright sunshine warm up. Neither of these things materialized for me. When the Beagle passed me and sat down in front of me I realized that he had enough. I was hoping to at least stop and enjoy my lunch is the sunshine but again the Beagle balked at stopping. Apparently he had made up his mind that we were going to return to the car.




approx 4 miles 2:20 car to car and a massive 320ft of climb