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
Monday, June 16, 2008
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