Tucquala Peak, Paddy Go South 6.23.08

Of late I haven't been able to cross off any peaks on my master list, so for today I wanted to make up for some lost time. I had hoped to continue on to Paddy Go North as well but as it is for me most times I hadn't enough time. I was able to make it across Scatter Creek with only 100 gallons of water over the hood. In retrospect I think parking on the other side would have been prudent. Since I had passed many deer on the way in I was careful to keep the dogs in the car until I was nearly ready to go. I should have waited until I was fully ready because I lost the Beagle in short order. I wasn't overly concerned because he was heading in my intended direction. I made my way up North Scatter Trail which was in fine shape. It became apparent the my Beagle didn't intend on coming with me. I was thankful to have Scatter Creek and Tucquala Lake as natural boundaries keeping him from heading West or South. I intended on doing a loop and to come out at Paddy Go Easy Trailhead forcing me to walk the road back. I thought this would be good if he headed North. I put the Beagle out of my mind and concentrated on the climb at hand. Soon the views of The Scatter Peak group, Fisheagle Peak and the two summits of Hawkins came into focus.


The climb mellowed for a while as I traversed around 5800' ft entering a nice basin between Tucquala and West Tucquala.
I chose the direct route to the summit because it was on steep snow. I put on crampons just to be safe and soon I topped out on Tucquala Peak 6821' #44 BC/100. I was surprised to see only two entries on the Summit register left by John Roper in 2004. The views were splendid and I snapped quite a few pictures.


Now it was time to turn my attention to Paddy go South. Initially the only route that looked promising to downclimb was a ramp to the SE which would have made my approach much longer. I opted instead to downclimb the West Ridge which went easily
couldn't find an easy way down at the saddle so I climbed West and was able to find easier slopes which were steep but the snow was good.
Once I was on easier ground I took some pictures looking back I was quiet pleased that I had made an easy descent on something that looked worse than it was.


I had to drop to around 5800' to go around some rock outcroppings and then I had to climb to the small saddle just east of Paddy go South at 6200'. The balance of the climb was only 300' but was steep and had an annoying bulge running the length of the ridge making it hard to find a way around.


After some persistence I was able to traverse to the South and found a steep route to the easier slopes of the summit area. I signed the summit register 6566' #57 BC/100 which had around 20 entries most of which were people who I am familiar with.
I stayed more on rock for the descent and made it back to my pack without any issues. I traversed above Sprite Lake and easily found Paddy go Easy trail.


 I passed on doing Paddy go North and just frewheeled the descent because I couldn't follow the trail under all the snow. At 5500' the snow stopped and I found myself right on the trail. I couldn't have done it any better! I stopped and had a little lunch on a nice grassy area where I could see where the car was parked far below me.

he trail was in decent shape so I made good time back to the road. The road walk went fairly quick. I was treated with a sighting of a bird that I hadn't seen before.
When I reached the car there was no Beagle. I saw a Grandfather and his Grandson so I asked them if they had seen the Beagle. They had just seen him and as we talked the Beagle came down the road looking whooped. Overall it was another fantastic day.




Approx 4600' of climb 10 miles 7:30 car to car

Pumpkinseed Point 6.16.08

Although this Peak wasn't my original choice for the day it provided me with an excellent day. Pumpkinseed is my unofficial name for the point just NW of Pumpkinseed Lake. I had hoped for a summit of Galleon which lies just to the NE. I had my schedule rearranged and getting up early wasn't an option. I started even later than I had hoped not reaching the hidden miner's trail until nearly 1300. I made my way up the steep but easy to follow trail that hugs the North tending ridge allowing efficient access to the beautiful area high above the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie. The weather was warm with just enough haze to make the views less than perfect.

The trail reaches 3400' and does an up and down traverse to a rockslide. The trail is below you and is flagged.

The trail stays on West side of the creek. As I expected there was still a huge amount of snow as I climbed to Green Ridge Lake.


Galleon was looking far off and I knew that I didn't have enough time to make it there. I still had enough time to continue on so I crossed the outlet on a solid snow bridge and made my way easily to the SE corner of the lake. I could see a snow filled gully heading towards the pass above Pumpkinseed Lake. I decided to try to make it to the pass which went quickly. I decided to continue on to the West to reach 4860' which I hoped would provide some serious views. The way up was steep in some areas with short portions that were nearly vertical snow. I could always find a easy way around and I finally topped out. There was a cairn marking the summit which povided views that surpassed what I had hoped for. The point is only missing by my calculations 30' of prominence to be included in the Home Court 100 list.


The descent went quick to Green Ridge Lake but after reaching the miner's trail progress slowed. The trail requires vigilance because of it's steep nature.




Approx 6 miles 3600' of climb 5:00 car to car

Iron Peak 6.9.08

I have been unable to do any substantial trips the last few weeks, so for today I thought I would make up for some lost time. I managed to get up at 0315 which I hoped would give me enough time. I have wanted to do a loop trip for some time involving Iron Mt, Gene's Peak, Bill's Peak and Earl Peak. I felt like with the snow conditions this would be an easier time of year to do this loop. I was dismayed to see Winter storm warning posted for today. My hope was that I would be able to outrun the weather and of course I was counting on the Teanaway effect. I reached the trailhead to a nice sunrise raising my hopes that I would be able to squeeze everything in. The morning sun on Bill's peak was a good sign.

As I made my way further up the trail both Gene's Peak and Iron Peak came into view. I think it is apparent I need to work on my panoramic pictures.


I didn't reach consistent snow until 5200' and a short time later I was kicking steps to the saddle between Iron and Gene's peak. As always the dogs seemed to be enjoying themselves.
Reaching the saddle the ridge walk to Iron's summit was open and easy. The weather had quickly degraded into wind and snow. I was thankful that I had brought my winter clothes because they were quite necessary. I followed some tracks to the base of Gene's Peak and was able to follow in the icy steps up to a major snow finger that reached nearly to the summit block. This finger was fairly steep and with the weather degrading further I opted to glissade back to the basin. My fear was the approaching storm which I feared quite substantial would arrive sooner than expected. I wasn't in the mood for high winds and heavy snow. I easily made my way back to the trail and on to the car. Looking back at the route up to Gene's Peak I think I made the right choice for this day.


Approx 10 miles 3000' of climb 5:15 car to car

3484' and more 6.2.08

had high hopes for a nice trip of Crosby but lack of good weather was a deciding factor. I had hoped up with some fellow Nwhikers but we agreed that Crosby was better suited for a fair weather day. I was hardly crestfallen because I had a late night at work and sleep sounded much better. I took an opportunity for some more sleep so by the time I got rolling it was already late. I had to think of something short and quick. Earlier in the year I had been up Gale Creek Road on the way to Ugly Duckling. I had enough time for the long road walk so it seemed to fit. I had forgotten a obligation for the day. This sidetrack burned off much of the remaining time I had available. Now I wasn't sure If I had enough time to complete the climb. I hoped that maybe I would be suprised and drive far enough on the road to make it possible.


I was indeed surprised my the melt out and able to drive to 2700'. I parked near a snowmobile trailer, I was surprised that they would even try to run on the patchy road. I booted a short ways until I saw some flagging heading up. It was apparent it would go over 3484', as did I. The point offered an upfront view of Ugly Duckling. I dropped steeply to the road and rejoined it until reaching 3000'. I knew I hadn't the time to walk the road so I thought I would just head up. The snow was rock hard and almost made me wish I had brought my crampons. The snow wasn't consistent enough for this but they might have come in handy for short portions. I now had no more time and decided to head back.



Approx 5 miles 1700' of climb 2.5 hours car to car