Trout Lake, Jack Creek 8.21.02

I was hoping for Cradle Lake today, but my map showed the trail starting accross from Chatter Creek Campground. So after wasting an hour to find that the trail leaves from near the Rock Island Campground. The Trout Creek trail climbs to near 4500ft and does a very long traverse high over Trout Creek. The views of the logging really detract from this route. Trout Lake itself isn't much better shallow and very reedy. After a few minutes at the lake I decided to climb to the saddle above the lake via Jack Ridge trail. Near 5800ft there is a side trail that I followed to point 6280 where there is remains of an old Fire lookout tower. Great views of Cashmere Mt., Eightmile Mt, and some glimpses of Stuart Mt. I returned to the Jack ridge trail and dropped to the Jack Creek trail and followed it out. All trails in good shape with some minor blowdowns and the bugs weren't bad either.

Upper and Lower Wildcat Lakes 8.14.02

We left the Alpental Trailhead at 10am, after our drive with the car overheating and gears slipping. Needless to say we were happy to get out of the car, with only a passing worry if we would be able to drive home. The trail to Snow Lake is in great shape as is the trail around the lake. We stopped in a small patch of shade at Gem Lake and relaxed before the drop to Lower Wildcat Lake. The trail is in good shape and is easy to follow. Once to the lake cross the creek and follow the fisherman's trail until it splits follow the left branch that climbs the 300 feet to Upper Wildcat Lake. There is a great campsite near the outlet and the fishing was good for small cutts. In the morning I climbed the northern ridge over the lake there is a climber's trail that roughly follows the ridge line. I had wanted to go to Caroline lake but was unable to make it in my alloted time. Stunning views from the ridge top. I did catch sight of Derrick lake that looks like an easy cross country from Upper Wildcat. The way out was long and hot but we made it home I guess that is what is most important. Total elevation gained approx 4200 feet hiking time 9hours with full pack.

Mccellan Butte 8.7.02

Hit the trailhead at 5:10 Pm hoping to wash away yesterday's failed attempt at Francis Lake. MUCH drier today. The trail in great shape made it to the summit scramble(not dog friendly) 2:10 up and 1:30 down. Had to use headlamp on way out. Nice to get out two days in a row!

Francis Lake 8.6.02

I tried for yet another try for Francis Lake. Take the Money Creek exit off of HY 2 Just before Skykomish. Follow road to Miller River Rd. take a right and go to just before first bridge. There lies a jeep road that follows the West Fork of the Miller River. Follow the very rocky road to for Approx. 3miles At this point we crossed the river ( watch out river crossings can be very dangerous). We were unable to pick up the fisherman's trail on the other side. With the weather being VERY wet we decided against The brush scramble up to the Lake.

Turquoise Lake, Cuitin Lake 8.1.02

I Took French Creek trail to French Ridge trail about 5.1 miles. Trail easy and in good shape. The climb up French Ridge trail somewhat brushy left trail at approx. 4320ft. There is a well flagged fisherman's trail that climbs and intersects with the Turquiose Lake Trail at about 5150. From there it is a very easy trail to the lake. I met a couple on their way out who suggested the camp site that is on the major point. Thank you an excellent suggestion. Four hours total to lake. The bugs were above average as was the fishing. Many Many trout of different sizes. I left for Cuitin Lake in the morning, I found a fishermans trail that leaves the Turquiose Lake trail at 5850 and climbs to the saddle and drops into the lake. No camping is permitted at the lake. The bugs were very bad and the fish were really jumping. I left and rejoined the French Ridge trail at 5500ft and continued out on French Ridge Trail. Great Trip 9 hours Hiking time. I do think the fishermans trail that leaves the French Ridge trail and intersects with Turquoise Lake trail is faster but it is much steeper but saves both distance and extra elevation gain.