The Lourve 10.13.05

I was hoping for a summit try for The Louvre, I had seen the route earlier this year when I was atop Jolley Mt. I was hoping to again be able to drive to the second gate on road #4315 saving 3+ miles of roadwalking each way. I was dismayed to find the first gate locked at around 3300ft. I thought this would not give me enough time to complete my objective but I thought I would at least give it a go. The weather was mostly cloudy but at least dry this week as I made my way up the road. I cut the switchback at around 4000ft saving some much needed time and distance. I made it to the junction with Jolly Creek Trail in under 2 hours. I could see my objective looking like it was still a million miles away. I dropped the 400ft to the saddle below, I found a large white tent housing some supplies. I couldn't figure out why it was there but there didn't seem to be any people in the area. I dropped pack just above the camp and followed the mostly easy to follow climber's trail. The trail peters out but the ridge is open and a fun scramble. There is really no exposure along this whole route. Much to my delight and suprise I made the summit in just less than 3:45. I could see the weather was changing quite rapidly so I hightailed it back to the truck before both darkness and the rain hit in earnest.




14 miles 4500ft of climb 6:40 car to car.

Cleveland Mt 10.7.05

I was hoping for a try of Cleveland Mt., but I got a much later than I would have liked start. To make matters worse a steady rain began as I made my way up US 2. I knew I would have to make good time, so I planned on mountain biking the road walk to save much needed time on the descent. I drove about a mile on the rough road that starts just before the bridge that spans Money Creek. I managed to get the truck turned around and parked as the rain began in earnest. I decided that since I hadn't mountain biked for quite some time it would be prudent to just walk the road. I had hoped to get to the end of the road where I thought there might be a path to the summit. I believe that the peak was once used as a lookout so I surmised there might be an easy route. I made good time slogging through the quite heavy rain. By the time I reached the end of the road I had become quite pruny due to the constant rain. I found what looks like a climber's trail that begins just before the end of the road. I only followed it a short ways before I ran out of time. I made it back to the truck with the rain only gaining in intensity.

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