Green Ridge Pond 9.30.03

Today's goal was to scout a route to Carole Lake, I was looking for a much shorter and direct route then to come from Nordrum Lake. I had been to Green Ridge Lake earlier this year and I knew that the trail continues climbing the ridge line past the 3400ft mark where it starts to traverse to the lake. Lacking an sense of motivation today I managed to drag myself the entire way to Green Ridge Pond that is located just NW of Green Ridge Lake. I skirted the pond and climbed the small saddle just north of the pond. It appears that the first 300feet of drop would be somewhat steep but once the rockslide is reached the going should be quite easy to the lake. It seems that 3 hours would be quite feasible, which would be MUCH faster than coming from Nordrum Lake. Although the views today were somewhat limited the warm sunny weather more than made up for it. This trail is an old miner's-climbers trail so be very cautious on the areas of steepish descent.

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Hibox Lake 9.23.03

I had hoped for an attempt last week for Hibox Lake, but with the heavy rain I decided to try this week instead. With picture perfect fall weather I talked to my long time friend Allan into coming along. I had hoped that the logging road that leaves just before the Rachel Lake trailhead (trail #1313) would not be gated allowing easy access to the ridge line we would follow to the lake. We arrived to find a locked gate. Allan has not done any hiking in years so I figured a long road approach coupled with a cross-country hike would be too much. So we decided to walk the road until the point where we would jump off onto the ridge line. The road was in fine shape and we both enjoyed the conversation along the way. We followed the road until approx 3900ft where it turns and heads toward our objective. The route from there seems straight forward and quite open. It seems to me it would be a fun snowshoe for late spring. We also noticed a spur road that appears more traveled that descends in an easterly direction. Not wanting to follow it and come out too far from the car we returned by the same route as we came in on. All in all it was a beautiful day spent with good company.

Mount Si 9.16.03

 had hoped to go to Hi Box Lake today, but when I awoke to heavy rain sleeping in sounded good. Climbing Mt Si is always like returning to an old friend, over the years I probably have climbed it 75 times. I managed to miss the rain today and as usual the trail was well used today. I did see some patches of new snow starting at 3900ft which suprised me greatly.

Lake Lillian, Lake Laura, Rampart Lakes 9.9.03

I had heard that there was a fisherman's trail to Lake Laura and Lake Lillian, and since I only had a half day to devote to hiking this week, Justin and I thought we would check it out. Instead of following the road to the traditional trailhead we turned at the swithchback with the sign pointing to the lake Lillian trailhead at approx 3300ft. The road is in good shape, follow the first right branch until you come to an elbow in the road. Here there is ample parking. Just follow the old logging road until it turns into a very steep and very defined fisherman's trail. The trail splits with the left branch going to Lake Laura and the right continues on to Lake Lillian. After a little over 30 minutes we were already at Lake Lillian. It had been many years since I had been there, but if memory serves me well it took around 2 hours the traditional way. I left Justin to do some fishing while I made an attempt at Rampart Ridge's highpoint (pt 5870). There is a clearly defined boot path on the northeast corner of Lake Lillian that climbs steeply to the ridge line. I followed this path until it splits just after the first tarn. I decided to follow the right path which I hoped would take me to the Rampart Lakes. The path was easy to follow and after about 45 minutes I was already at the uppermost Rampart Lake. I fished for a short while catching some nice cutts. Since time was short I headed back leaving the ridge high point un-climbed. While I was gone Justin had plenty of company, a group of eight had come and gone. We passed this group on the way down, I guess they figured they could use a shortcut as well. I gave two of them a ride back to their cars that were parked at the Lake Margaret trailhead so they could come back and pick up the remainder of their party.

Crawford Lake 9.3.03

The goal for this trip was to overnight at Crawford Lake and also visit Chetwoot Lake and if things went well Iron Cap Lake. As usual for me things don't always go as planned. I got an early start, for me anyway, but with the Middle Fork Rd as slow as usual I didn' reach the Dutch Miller Trailhead until nearly noon. By this time it was scorching hot with little wind to cool off. I reached Crawford Creek in an hour, but the plan was to jump off trail as high as possible. Just after I passed the creek I met three ladies on their way out. They had been at Williams Lk since Saturday and had gone to Chain Lakes as well as La Bohn Lakes. I exchanged pleasantaries and marveled at the ages of the woman. I mean no disrespect but I hope I am still carrying a full pack when I am their age. Shortly after passing the ladies I jumped of trail just before the trail starts to decline at approx 3600ft. I climbed a hundred or so feet before I realized this climb would be better suited for a half pack and a cool morning. I returned back to the trail and repassed (much to their suprise) the ladies and set up camp at one of the campsites near Crawford Crk. I lounged the rest of the day getting some much needed relaxation. I woke up a 6am and had breakfast and repacked(much lighter) and was off. I was very suprised that it was already quite warm. I again left trail this time climbing up steeply to catch the distinct ridge that I would follow most of the way to the lake. Things went pretty straight forward it does become quite steep from 4700 to 5000ft. At 5000ft I caught the outlet stream and followed it to the lake. I dropped pack and snapped some pictures and then was off to the saddle to the NW above the lake. I picked my way along the west side boulder fields and climbed to the small lake above Crawford. Much to my suprise it was mostly dried up. I climbed easily to the saddle and was treated to a perspective of the Alpine Lks that I am quite sure is seldom seen. I did not see an obvious route down to Chetwoot, I had planned on climbing over the much higher saddle to the NE of the lake. It seems like reaching that saddle wouldn't be too difficult. The drop from there seems much more safe. I dropped back to my pack taking in some of the most breathtaking scenery I have had the privilege to see. I then set off for the descent. Although I didn't have too much problem with the steep portion on the way up, it was much more difficult on the way down. I really wished I had an ice ax, due to the lack of any footing. I was much relieved when I dropped the steeper portion and returned to much easier lower slopes. The overall descent went much quicker than expected, and soon I was back to my tent. I packed up and was off to the truck.