Sasse Mt 4.22.03

Today's goal was for Sasse Mt. summit via the logging road that starts just past the Red Mt campground. There was some patchy snow at the start of the road so I parked, only to find that I could have driven to 3300ft. I just expected the snow to start, making it fruitless to return and get the car. So wasting 1000ft of unneeded climb I pressed on. The snow warranted snow shoes at the third gate (3300ft), which was open. I reached the end of the road near 4600ft and dropped pack and decided that Sasse Mt summit would have to wait for another day. I did want to climb something so I headed up to the distinct pt. 5560 which is between the Sasse Mt summit and pt. 5335. I kept in the trees on a subtle spur the leads to this pt. I reach 5100ft and decided that the dogs might have a tough time downclimbing and retreated to my pack. After watching the ease that the dogs had getting back to the pack, I couldn't help but think I should have pressed on.

Total distance approx 13 miles Total climb 2800ft Total time 5 hours

Maloney Lookout, Sobieski Mt 4.15.03

Today's goal was Sobieski Mt. summit which is approached via the Foss River Rd.. I followed Road 6840 until approx. 2600ft and parked. Be wary of this road there is alot of fallen rock on the road, many of which would ruin your whole trip. Snow condition today was heavy and slow it took me 2.5 hours to reach the summit which has to be less than 5 miles. There is a microwave tower on the summit and some out buildings which showed there is still 8 feet of snow at 4430ft. I cut the corner on the descent with some nice sliding managing for the most part to miss the tree wells along the way. I then went to the Maloney Ridge Lookout where there is also a microwave tower. This is less than a half mile from the main road. Nice views of the Skykomish Valley. I returned to the car just less than 5hrs after starting, feeling like I had done at least twice what I had done. I managed to make it on time to meet some friends for dinner at Jak's in Issaquah. There isn't anything quite like a little Booker's and a nice fat fillet at Jak's after a qood climb.

Cleveland Mt 4.8.03

I had hoped for a summit attempt of Cleveland Mt., but the Northern slopes had recent avalanche activity. This hike started under partly sunny skies and warm temps for this time of year. I just wore shorts and a t-shirt. There is a logging road that starts just before the Money Creek Rd crosses Money Creek. I parked just a couple hundred yards in, the road is very driveable for quite a ways provided you have some ground clearance. The road itself is fairly brush free and is maddingly lacking in steepness. I hit sustained snow near 2900ft and donned snowshoes. The snow was rather deep and there was very many snow washouts that took much extra time to negotiate. I continued on the road that tracks near the ridge that will take you right to the base of Cleveland Mt.. I reached my turn around time near 4000ft, I had hoped to at least reach the ridge saddle at 4300ft and drop to Cleveland Lake. Unfortunately the slow going wouldn't allow for that. It appears to me after melt out this should be a straight forward route.

Total distance approx 12 miles Total climb 3000ft Total time 5 hrs

Dirty Harry's Peak 4.4.03

I parked right at Dirty Harry's road since I knew I would be out in plenty of time before they close the gate. I started up the road at 10:10 under mostly cloudy skies and rather cool temps. I hit new snow in just a matter of minutes. The road is rather rough in spots the middle third has alot of water running over it. I passed a man on the way up, which always suprises me this time of year. I passed the turn-off for Dirty Harry's Balcony and continued on up. Around 4000ft the snow became rather deep and since there hadn't been anyone before me to break trail the going slowed considerably. I managed to drag myself to the summit at 12:10 . Since there are some steep drop-offs to the northeast I didn't stay too long, not wanting to risk a dog over the edge. On the descent I passed the man I had passed earlier, he filled me in on some future hiking adventures. He has been maintaining this area for years ( thanks for the great job). I made quick work on the remaining descent. Since I had never been to Dirty Harry's Balcony I made the short sidetrip, just turn at the Penzoil can. Just before the balcony the trail continues on to the Mason Lake trail, passing another Balcony along the way and also connecting with the West Defiance Trail aka Putrid Pete's Peak. I returned to the car at 1:50.

Total distance approx 8 miles Total climb 3300ft Total time 3:40