Cradle Lake 6.30.04

I was hoping for a epic overnight trip, I wanted to camp at Cradle Lake and return over Highchair and Bootjack Mts.. I, as usual arrived at the Jack Creek trailhead much later than I would have liked. I pushed off a little after one and made good time to the crossing of Jack Creek. I passed one man on the way with very little idea of where he was or where he was going. It is quite amazing the lack of planning most people use when in the mountains. The Jack Creek crossing was manageable but great care was needed. I first crossed with the Beagle and then returned for my pack. I had to laugh when I picked up my pack and the Beagle was already there. I was so focused on the crossing I didn't have a clue how he had crossed. I figured since he made it one way he should be able to make again. What a trooper! watching him tempt the rapids with those little legs made the whole trip worthwhile. I rebooted and was off, unlucky for me the trail crosses Meadow Creek contrary to my map. This crossing was deeper and much swifter so I again carried the Beagle to the other side. I found the Cradle Lake trail without any problems. Since I had got such a late start, all day I was planning on camping here. I had good legs today and enough time to make the 20000ft climb to Cradle Lake. The trail was in great shape and easy to follow. I passed a junction at 5400ft that connects with the Blackjack Ridge trail and another junction at 5900ft which must go to Highchair mt. Both these trails were not on my map either. I made it to camp at 6:20 and enjoyed some very nice views. Later I scrambled up Pt 6623 and was rewarded with a beautiful sunset behind The Cradle. The moon was out and shining bright until it was obscured by rain clouds. I got a slight drizzle to help put me to sleep. I abandoned any other climbing due to lack of time. I returned to the truck in a little less than 4 hours

Sasse Mt 6.22.04

I had hoped for a summit of both Sasse Mt and Jolly Mt. I got a much later start than I would have liked so by the time I reached the trailhead it was quite warm. The road that takes you to the trailhead is quite slow but is manageable with some ground clearance. Trail 1325 is in fine shape it does get a little sketchy around the area with quite a few springs. I made the summit of Sasse in less than 30 minutes. The views are quite limited so I set off for my next goal of Jolly Mt.. I followed the Sasse ridge trail until I crossed a logging rd. I took a right on this road and walked to it's end. I was expecting there to be a trail, however after closer inspection of the map I realized that this road was the wrong one. This road was not shown on my map. I left the road and climbed to the proper road which was a few hundred feet above me. I started running a bit low on time and there was no shelter from the unbroken sun, so I stopped and had my lunch. Although I only had around 1000ft of climb left I didn't have the time to make it there and back before I wanted to be home. I backtracked and rejoined the Sasse Mt trail. I continued North until I reached the second logging road which is the proper one. With no more time I hastily returned to the truck.I had hoped for a summit of both Sasse Mt and Jolly Mt. I got a much later start than I would have liked so by the time I reached the trailhead it was quite warm. The road that takes you to the trailhead is quite slow but is manageable with some ground clearance. Trail 1325 is in fine shape it does get a little sketchy around the area with quite a few springs. I made the summit of Sasse in less than 30 minutes. The views are quite limited so I set off for my next goal of Jolly Mt.. I followed the Sasse ridge trail until I crossed a logging rd. I took a right on this road and walked to it's end. I was expecting there to be a trail, however after closer inspection of the map I realized that this road was the wrong one. This road was not shown on my map. I left the road and climbed to the proper road which was a few hundred feet above me. I started running a bit low on time and there was no shelter from the unbroken sun, so I stopped and had my lunch. Although I only had around 1000ft of climb left I didn't have the time to make it there and back before I wanted to be home. I backtracked and rejoined the Sasse Mt trail. I continued North until I reached the second logging road which is the proper one. With no more time I hastily returned to the truck.

Pollalie Ridge 6.16.04

Today's goal was for a summit of the high point (5560+) of Polallie ridge. I used the Pete Lk. trail to join up with the Tired Creek trail which connects with the Polallie Ridge trail. The weather was ideal and the bugs were out in force at the trailhead. I made great time to the old lookout site at Pt 5482 which is one of the best viewing spots to see from the Three Queens all the way to Mt Daniel. I continued on the Polallie Ridge trail until it drops off the ridge. I merely followed the humps and bumps of this enjoyable ridge traverse until I reached the Highpoint. This Highpoint is about 1.5 south of the old lookout site. As I reached the final push to the summit I noticed quite a bit of bear scat along the ridgeline. Upon reaching the summit I was treated to what for me is a rare site, a bear! Well, actually I just saw a glimpse of his rear as he ran away. I waited a minute to give some much needed distance and then continued on. There is some patchy snow and the bugs were of no concern near the summit. I hustled out, so as to make my dinner date, from car to car 5.5 hours.

White Pine Creek 6.9.04

I was hoping for a summit try of Jim Hill Mt.. I had never used the Whitepine trail so I wasn't sure if there was a bridge over the creek. There is only remnants of a bridge and the water was quite high and it would have involved carrying at least one of the dogs over. Since I had a beautiful day and plenty of time, I decided to do some exploring. I backtracked to the Wildhorse junction and followed the trail to just past the Deadhorse Pass basin. From this vantage point I could see some of the route I would have used to climb Jim Hill Mt. According to Beckey the South route is a ""pleasant Hike"", I am not quite so sure. I did find a climber's trail that climbs to Deadhorse Pass, and I am quite sure there is one to Grace Lakes as well. I am sure in time I will be back to explore both those trails.

Navaho Peak 6.1.04

Today's goal was for a summit of Navaho Peak via the Stafford Creek trail. The weather was pleasant and the trail was in good shape, with only a few minor stream crossings. The snow is retreating at a rapid rate and most can be avoided all together. This route has a substantial 4100ft of climb but is spread out over 6+ miles making the grade quite easy. Navaho's summit has a climber's trail that takes you all the way to the top. This route is non-technical and rewards you with some up front and stunning views of the Stuart Range. The weather changed as I summitted the warm weather gave way to some snow and windy weather. After quickly adding a few more layers and signing the summit register I retreated to Navaho Pass to have lunch. At a more than modest elevation of 7223ft this summit is the highest I have climbed in Washington. This was a great time of year to do this climb, I am sure this becomes quite hot and dusty in the summertime. With a 6 hour car to car time, give your self plenty of time.