Moolock Mt 9.22.05

With again only a half day this week I was forced to find something close. I chose Moolock Mt. (pt 4965) which lies between Green Mt. and South Bessemer. Although Moolock only ranks a lowly #96 on the Homecourt 100 it does provide nearly 4500ft of climb because of the low footings of the Middle Fork Valley. I had previously attempted this peak with snowshoes and only made it to the summit area before I turned back. Today's conditions were ideal, sunny and temps in the low 60's. The plan was to use the CCC road to access the logging roads that flank most of this area. I had a very tight schedule so I left the logging road and climbed in the open and easy forest saving much needed time. Around 2100ft I rejoined the road and followed it to the saddle between South Bessemer and Moolock. I dropped pack and had a quick lunch while enjoying the warm sun. I continued on the road until I reached and adit where I headed onto the more northern side where there is another logging road that takes you directly towards Moolock. It does drop some elevation but it is the most direct line. I continued on this road until I was nearly under the summit. I left the road and climbed on the rockslide to reach the East ridge. The first part of the rockslide is very unstable but further up the going was quite enjoyable. I followed the East ridge without too trouble easily reaching the open summit in 3 hours from the car. I only had a few moments to enjoy the summit before I had to start the descent. I jogged most of the way out and made it out with time to spare.




4450ft of climb 5:15 car to car





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Red Mt. Snoqualmie Pass 9.15.05

I only had a half day for climbing this week, so I chose something that would get me home early. I took the Commonwealth Basin Trail which was in fine shape. The weather was perfect and I had good legs so I made great time to Red Pond. I had passed a climber's trail just before the pond but I was curious if there might be a route leaving from Red Pass. Upon reaching Red Pass I could see that it would be possible but I was sure it would be much easier via the climber's trail. I backtracked to the my jump off point and dropped pack. The climber's trail is fairly easy to follow, there is quite a danger of rockfall however. I would not want to do this route with alot of climbers on it. About 200ft before the summit I crowned myself pretty hard on a branch. I didn't even see it as I was taking my upstep and drove my head straight into it. I am quite sure my head gave more ground than the branch. I sat down for a minute to collect myself before finishing off the summit. The views from the top are quite stunning, I could even see the cave in which I am sure Cave Ridge derives it's name. I backtracked down to my pack and had some lunch in some nice warm sun. On the way down I passed the only people I had seen in the entire day. It was the 4th time we had crossed paths during the day. I am sure they were sick of seeing me.




3300ft of climb 4:30 car to car

Rachel Lake 9.8.05

I was hoping for a summit of Hibox Mt. I know there is a climber's trail that leaves the Rachel Lake Trail at around 3300ft. I was dismayed to see that the trailhead had seen some serious car vandalism in the not so distant past. There was broken car glass everywhere. The weather was quite sunny and pleasant as I made my way up the easy grade to my jump off point. I left the trail where there is a well defined trail that leads through the forest at a moderate grade. At about 3700ft the pitch turns to much more of a scramble. I had no problem following the trail but I had more problems with the mental side. I just couldn't muster the desire to complete the remaining 2500ft of climb. I wasn't in the mood for such a steep climb. I backtracked to the Rachel Lake trail and ended up at Rachel Lake. I was quite content to mearly sit on a rock for 90 minutes just soaking up the sun and scenery. I think I need a little relaxation more than another summit bagged. I will surely return to visit Hibox's summit which I am quite sure has some close and upfront views of Three Queens and the Lemah-Chimney Rock group.