Evans Lake 7.30.06

After missing last week I was eager to get out again. For this trip it was a special family outing. We left the wild dingos at home. I instead brought my wife and daughter for her ""first hike"". I use the term hiking loosely since she has yet to take her first steps. She was a trooper as we made our way along the 1/3mile and 30ft elevation gain to Evans Lake. It was fun to see the wonder already in her eyes. The weather had been raining quite hard in Monroe and I doubted we would even make it out of the car at the trailhead. There were 3 cars already there when we arrived. This hike is as family friendly as any I know. The lake itself is somewhat shallow and not much to look at. Of course it started to rain as soon as we set up shop on the Northern Shore. I snapped some family pictures and threw a fly for a bit before it became to cold and wet for the little one. There was a couple spin casting for shore and a couple of guys in belly boats out fishing as well. I did see some decent fish but didn't witness any landings. We made it back to the truck only becoming midly wet from the brushy trail and enjoyed our picnic in the truck. The only damper on the day was the two hour trip from Skykomish to Monroe. I think at some point something must be done. With talk of putting a toll on Snoqualmie Pass I imagine this situation only becoming worse.

High Esmerelda, Deroux Peak, Koppen Mt 7.17.06

After last weeks wonderful loop trip I was looking for another outing of similar nature. I managed to get an early start so I knew I would have the time required. I left the Deroux Campground with warmer than expected temps but nothing that was overbearing. I made quick work to last switchback at approx 5400ft where I found a climber's trail which was not easily followed. I merely took the path of least resistance to 6000ft where I dropped pack. The climber's trail becomes abit more defined higher up which helped speed up the ascent. I crested the ridge at a small saddle where I continued Westerly which is the highest point of the Esmerelda group of peaks. High Esmerelda comes in at #49 on the Back Court 100. I signed the summit register and drank in the splendid views. I quickly downclimbed and refound my pack. Instead of following my upclimb path I angled more westerly to rejoin the trail closer to Gallagher Head Lake. I stopped for lunch and let the hounds drink their fill. Both dogs had some overheating issues on the way up so I thought it prudent to keep them over hydrated. There was two others at the lake I just waved and was on my way for the day's next objective (Pt 6260). I followed the jeep road until it's end near 5600ft where I left it for the scree slopes that I hoped would take me all the way to the summit. I was a bit concerned about the last 100ft but I found an easy gully which popped me out just North of the Summit. I could see the Paris Creek trail below me in the basin which would have been an easy descent. I chose however to follow the ridge South to satisfy my curiosity. I was curious to see if this peak had the 400ft of prominence required to be included in the Back Court 100. It's elevation would rank it #69. I found an even 400ft with my altimeter and I rechecked it with my GPS and found it to be around 415 feet. I would be curious if my figures were off or it was just an ommission. I was concerned about the Paris Creek trail because I thought it would be seldomed used. I was relieved to both have running water in few spots and that it was free of brush and easy to follow. The area seems to get alot of horse traffic keeping it dusty and open. I passed a camp with some large tents, I didn't seem to me like there was anyone there. At the junction of the Deroux Spur I took this trail to the ridgeline and dropped pack near a nice campsite on the ridge. I then followed the Climber's trail 1200ft of elevation to Koppen Mt's summit. I signed the register and high tailed it back to my pack. I was running abit behind so I didn't want to stay too long. The balance of the trip went a little slower than I hoped but soon I was back to the truck.








Approx 18 miles 5000ft of climb 8.5 hours truck to truck

West Cabin Creek Peak, Thomas Mt.

I had an ambitious day planned and with a full day to devote to it. I made my way over a rainy Snoqualmie Pass. I wasn't concerned,in fact, if it rained it would be much better than recent hot weather. The goal was for a loop trip starting with Kachess Ridge trail with a summit bid for West French Cabin Mt. and finishing over Thomas Mt. and out the Easton Ridge trail. The weather couldn't have been more ideal as I made my way along Silver Creek. It was mostly sunny but only in the upper 60's with enough wind to keep the mosquitoes at bay. I made good time to Silver Creek Tie, too bad for me I walked right past it. I started to feel like I may have gone too far when I recrossed Silver Creek. I backtracked a bit to a quite obvious junction. I just couldn't believe I could have missed it. I made my way to where the trail crests the South Ridge of The West Peak of French Cabin Mt. I dropped pack and I had hoped to stay on the ridge to the summit. I wasn't thrilled with the rocky ridge so I contoured on the moderate west slopes. I found a heathery gully that took me easily to the 5724 foot summit which ranks it #48 on the Homecourt List. I dropped quickly back to my pack and turned my attention to the next peak on the ridge (pt 5563). I dropped into the basin which still had some patchy snow covering the trail. I soon topped out at (pt 5563 )which is a nice vantage point affording some nice views of the area peaks. My next goal was for a summit of The South Peak which is mostly forested and is nearly summitted by The Domerie Ridge Trail. I only stayed for a moment because the views were mostly obstructed by trees. Next was the long ridge leading towards Thomas Mt (#81 on the Homecourt List), the ridge has many ups and downs but the trail is quite easy to follow. I wasn't looking forward to the 800ft climb to the summit but soon I was back for a return visit to the summit that I had climbed some years ago. I now turned by attention to the to the long descent to the truck. I wasn't thrilled with the short climb to the junction near 5000ft but that was much easier than the steep portions of the descent. I had forgotten how steep portions of the trail are. I took my time and soon I was back to the truck. Be wary there is no water for the majority of this loop. I was thankful I had taken some extra water for my thirsty pups.








Approx 16 miles 4800ft of climb 8 hours car to car.

Paddy Go Easy Pass 7.3.06

I always have had fond memories of Paddy Go Easy Pass so I eagerly left somewhat early this morning. I was looking to scout a route for Tucquala Peak (pt 6821) which lies SE of Sprite Lake. The plan was to leave the trail around 5300ft and traverse NE to attain the ridge line and see if any routes were within my abilities. At 5150 there is a very good boot path leading in the direction I wanted so I took it. The path is easy to follow and leads to an old mine site which I found fascinating. There are train tracks coming out of the cave along with a very strong flow of water. I am guessing that the miner's may have dug into the water table. I wouldn't have wanted to be in the mine when that occurred. From there I just climbed the path of least resistance until I topped out on the ridge above Sprite Lake at around 6200ft. I had hoped to attain the ridge farther SE on the other side of South Paddy Go Easy (pt 6566). I decided to climb the peak that is just East of Sprite Lake. The slopes are short and still snow covered so it was a quite pleasant ascent and made for a quick descent back to Paddy Go Easy Pass. The trail was covered with snow at the pass so it took me while to find the trail. After poking around for a bit I rejoined the trail for the quick return to the truck.