Thomas Mountain (Attempt) 2-22-2014

We initially planned to snowshoe up the Alpine Lookout near Lake Wenatchee, but after checking the cameras at Stevens Pass we chose to find something to do along Snoqualmie Pass instead. I can usually count on some sunshine Easton area when precipitation is scattered throughout the Cascades. This time we were merely taunted by the sun which remained hidden behind a high overcast layer despite making dozens of appearances. Several feet of fresh snow meant we were working for every single step. Thanks to heavy snowmobile traffic we were able to boot the first 3/4 mile, but the next stretch was the slowest I have ever moved over flat ground. This was the first time I have utilized the 6" extensions for my snowshoes, which seemed to make little difference. We finally reached the trailhead after an hour and a half, where we took the first break to refuel by the dam on Silver Creek.



Once we began to truly ascend it became clear that we had already found our max speed. Each step up was rewarded by half a step back down as our snowshoes sunk deep into the powder. We were able to follow the trail for the most part until about 200' below the first junction on the west end of Easton Ridge. We reached the signed junction nearly 5 hours after leaving the truck. It was becoming clear that we wouldn't be reaching our destination by our predetermined turn-around point. We took a break and decided to continue on our planned route up the Domerie Divide Trail and hopefully reach Para Point before retreating.




We stayed close to the edge of the trees, being careful to avoid the exposed cliffs to the west. Throughout the day we heard at least 5 separate short whoosh and booms which we assumed to be small avalanches in the Silver Creek Valley. Dozens of small cornices littered the mostly flat, wind swept forest. Most of the larger tree trunks were plastered with triangular prisms of snow on the windward side. A group of four appeared below us around 3400'. They thanked us for breaking trail and we let them pass while we sat down on a mellow sloped ledge to take a break.





Easton Ridge was barely visible through the falling snow, which was building in size and momentum by the minute. The descent was quick and pleasant. We were surprised to find that some of the barely hour-old tracks had been completely covered by fresh wind-blown powder. I noticed a small memorial to Richard Woodworth on a tree west of the Easton Ridge/Domerie Divide junction.

Green Mountain Attempt (NW Olympics) 2-21-2014

Mount Townsend in the Olympics seemed like a relatively safe option given the considerable avalanche danger forecast. I wasn't too hopeful about reaching the trailhead by car so i planned to use nearby Green Mountain as a backup in case the snow stopped me more than 4 miles away. I played it safe and pulled out at a break in the ruts about 7 miles out when about 6 inches covered the road. It snowed lightly most of the day besides a few short sun breaks.




We followed Road 2812 for a few miles before heading up an unmarked road at the base of a short ridge that branched off of the north to south ridge that makes up Green Mountain. In less than a mile I reached the roads end and began the bushwhacking. After struggling with thick snow-covered brush for about 20 minutes only to gain about 50', I turned back and began to think more about tomorrow's summit with Colin. On the return I found a fresh set of ski tracks joined by a dog, and passed the pair as they were loading up to leave. A long drive for such a short snowshoe, but better than sitting home or getting rained on elsewhere!

Indoor climbing with Julian and Jaxon

The last few weekends have been filled with plans which kept me away from the mountains, but I did get a bit of adventure with my nephews yesterday. As a dual birthday present I brought them to Stone Gardens in Bellevue for some indoor climbing. Each time I visit a climbing gym I can't help but think of how much fun it would have been as a kid with never-ending energy. I'm still missing the mountains, but a chance to re-live childhood vicariously will subside my cravings until next week.

Stegosaurus Butte 2-2-2014

I was looking to bring a friend on a shorter summit trip that would allow us to be in Seattle by noon. This short hike is surprisingly popular among NW Hikers likely due to the high visual payoff and low physical cost. As a bonus I would get a look at the new section of the Pratt River Trail, which we left almost as quickly as we met it. On our way through North Bend the fresh snowline on Mount Si was crisp and clear.


We followed a faint bootpath along the top of the ridge which became more clear as we climbed. About halfway up we were treated to stunning view of Mount Garfield mostly covered in snow. Near the top Mount Bessemer and part of Preacher Mountain appeared.