Freedom Peak 5.3.05

I had seen some trip reports stating that the Stafford Creek Trail was mostly snow free. The weather on the western crest seemed like it would improve as the day went on. I expected better weather on the eastern crest and since I had most of the day I thought why not climb Freedom Pk aka Little Navaho (pt 6442). Freedom Pk. ranks a moderate # 61 on the Back Court 100, thus it needed to be climbed. The plan was to jump off trail at around 4800ft where there is a creek crosses the trail. The slope is moderate and the area is quite open and attractive. There wasn't much snow and almost all of it could be avoided. I reached the ridge line around 6200ft and dropped pack. I picked my way the rest of the way to the summit mostly staying directly on the ridge line. I was hoping to find a summit register, but none was readily apparent. The weather was ideal broken sun and the temps in the mid 60's. I was expecting about a 6 hour round trip but was pleasantly suprised with a 4.5 hour car to car. The descent was quite enjoyable I merely plunge stepped in the soft soil making great time. The views are quite good well worth the effort.

Keechelus Ridge

I only had a short day to devote to climbing this week hence a short approach and easy access. Keechelus Ridge Pt. 5151 is the high point of the Keechelus ridge and ranks a lowly 88 on Home Court 100. One can nearly drive to the summit later in the year but today I had to park at 3100ft because of snow. I was happy I could at least drive this far. I wasn't sure of the snow conditions, I thought I might have to park at the Sno-Park. This saved about 2.5 miles of mindless road walking. I left the road at around 4000ft and just picked the path of least resistance to the summit. I tried to stay mainly in second growth forest the tree canopy provided more stable snow than the more open recently logged areas. This summit doesn't afford much of the way in views but because of it's inclusion in the Home Court 100 makes it a worthwhile trip. The weather was steady sun and somewhat warm. It certainly the most spring like day in a while. Less than 4 hours from car to car with around 2000ft of climb.

Dorothy Lake 4.12.05

I was just looking to get out somewhere I hadn't been before. I figured the snow level would be low so I wasn't too concerned over the large thundershowers as I made my way to the trailhead. As I suspected the rain turned to steady snowfall by the time I reached the end of the road. After about a half mile the trail was consistent snow. The snow was soft and combined with the easy grade made for quick work. I stayed on the trail to about the mid point of the lake, just south of the major point on the eastern shore. I had a quick lunch and since there wasn't much to see because of the low clouds I didn't stay long. The snow only increased in purpose as the afternoon wore on. The lake is still completely frozen and doesn't appear that it will thaw any time soon.

Denny Creek 4.6.05

I was quite curious on how much snow had fallen recently, so I decided to try a trail that I knew would be well broken. I was hoping to make it to at least Hemlock Pass and maybe to Low Mt. if conditions allowed. The weather was much nicer than what I expected, and became quite warm on the open areas of the trail. This sun softened snow was quite slow going in long stretches. In the shelter of the trees the snow was quite firm and went much quicker. The bridge crossing Denny Creek at 3600ft was covered with snow. I made a vain attempt at crossing it with snowshoes, slipping off with one foot on either side. Lucky for me a Man's reaction time can be quite quick when saving one's family jewels. After dismounting and crawling up the other side I had a good laugh. I now broke out into another open area that few had gone before me, I decided that I'd rather try and catch the evening bite rather than wallow the last half mile to the pass. I was quite amazed at the amount of snow it will be months before it is all melted. Just another great day in the mountains!