Kachess Beacon Scramble Route

May 23, 2011

Kachess Beacon Scramble Route (Easton)

Another great trip in Easton with friends – no ticks today, no sun either.

Four of us started from the Easton Ridge/Kachess Ridge (also known as the Silver Creek trail) trailhead. Instead of Easton Ridge we headed uphill (a steep start) on the Kachess Ridge trail.

The trail doesn’t mess around – it gets down to its business immediately. Perhaps the trail itself is in a hurry to get to the views and wildflowers for which this trail is known. The Kachess Ridge trail is a long trail (you can hike to Thorp Lookout on this trail system) but we weren’t going that far today. Besides, this time of year crossing Silver Creek can be challenging (especially this year).

After a steep climb with a few breaks to photograph flowers (first Indian Paintbrush of the season, at least for us) such as trilliums, yellow violets, lomatiums, even Calypso orchids at lower elevations we reached the hard-to-miss junction (unsigned) where a branched path leads off (left) as the main trail continues on.

We left the main trail and began our hike on a faint path winding between rock outcroppings, following the spine of a ridge with several good overlooks along the way. Dennis and Michael had taken this route before and when we began to hit snow patches they knew exactly where to go. The snow was perfect for hiking – not too icy, not too soft with only a little post-holing.

We were denied most of the views because of fog and clouds; but as we continued along the ridge there were interesting rock formations to ponder as we climbed. With wisps of fog coming and going it was moody and beautiful.

Then – a glitch for Bob. The lens popped out of his glasses and his eyes are as bad as mine. If we’d been born a few centuries ago we would have killed ourselves tripping or falling with our poor vision. This has happened before – he did his best to make a repair but it was time-consuming so he told us to carry on, he’d wait.

We continued on up, now mostly on snow. The last 300 feet or so were a bit of a struggle for me (I’d hiked the day before) but when I saw the Kachess Beacon I knew I could make it. We did not linger at all – it was too cold and we wanted to get back to Bob and eat lunch with him.

After meeting up with Bob again we continued down, seeking a warmer spot for lunch. Bob wasn’t able to fix his glasses so resorted to his “spare” glasses. He had a little trouble with depth perception but did pretty well considering.

Back at the car Michael shared a lemon pie with us, made by his daughter to celebrate his recent birthday. That made a sweet ending to a cold but fun day.

By the way savvy hikers can make a loop out of this by way of the official Kachess Beacon trail that takes off from the Silver Creek trail though that trail doesn’t seem to show on our maps. Perhaps it’s not an official trail anymore. If I were to do this as a loop I’d go up the scramble route and then descend down to the Kachess Ridge trail on the “official” Kachess Beacon trail. However now there’s still a lot of snow in the Silver Creek valley and trail reports indicate there are a lot of trees down on the Kachess Beacon trail from Silver Creek.

Stats: A little over 4 miles round trip with 2,200 feet elevation gain. Maps: Green Trails No. 208 (Kachess Lake, WA) and No. 240 (Easton).

To get there: From Seattle take I-90 east and turn off at Exit 70. Drive over the freeway and turn left onto a frontage road signed Kachess Dam Road and proceed to Forest Service Road No. 4818, turn right. Stay on Road No. 4818 to an unsigned road junction and turn right – continue about ½ mile to the trailhead, elevation 2,400 feet, no facilities. A Northwest Forest Pass is required. The maps are Green Trails Kachess Lake No. 208 and Green Trails Easton No. 240.

Additional information: Cle Elum Ranger District (509-852-1100).

Easton Ridge, once a year whether I need it or not

EASTON RIDGE (May 20, 2011)

Finally – we enjoyed a delightful hike with summer-like conditions including wildflowers, sunshine, views and unfortunately – ticks. It’s unfortunate that when conditions are favorable for a pleasant hike on the east side that’s about the time the ticks are out and about on their relentless search for blood. We knew we’d need to be on the alert for the ticks but we didn’t prevent them from enjoying our day in the sun.

This hike is a favorite standby – the trail melts out earlier than many and it’s often where we spot the first glacier lilies and yellow bills of the season. This year was no exception – driving back from Umtanum Ridge a few days ago we noticed that Easton Ridge was mostly snow-free so a return to Easton Ridge was in order.

Easton Ridge is an enigma of trails ranging from established trails to game trails. Not even maps and guidebooks agree on mileages and elevations -- lingering snow always adds to the adventure. After parking at the trailhead (Kachess Ridge/Easton Ridge) we turned right onto a short path that leads to an old camping area along Silver Creek then walked upstream a bit to cross the creek on a bridge (happy the bridge is still there!).

We expected to be hiking in snow before the hike was over but that wasn’t too high a price to pay for getting to see wildflowers starting right from the trailhead. Glacier lilies and Calypso orchids added color to the first forested switchbacks after crossing Silver Creek. Trilliums are also at their peak, sweet and fresh.

After climbing a few switchbacks the trail meets a gravel road (about 2,700 feet). We turned left onto the road (no trail signs at the road). The road soon makes a switchback – and the trail is obvious (left, uphill). The sign is missing but there are splendid views of Lake Kachess here and improving as the trail begins to climb more steeply.

After gaining about 1,200 feet we reached the trail junction (signed) at 3,400 feet per the Green Trails map. Easton Ridge Trail No. 1212 (right) Domerie Divide Trail No. 1308-2 is to the left. As we continued on the Easton Ridge trail we began to encounter snow patches (not enough to obscure the trail).

A short steep climb brought us to a familiar-to-me rocky outcropping (about 4,300 feet). Here we stopped for views of Easton Lake and Kachess Lake before continuing upward. There are also views of Mount Rainier but it was hazy enough that getting a good photograph of the mountain was out of the question.

We began to encounter more snow than trail but route finding is easy and we managed to stay on the trail most of the time. The trail continues to several high points; each one inspired us to continue further until it looked like snow would be mostly continuous.

We stopped for lunch at one of the high points and that’s where the ticks were waiting for us. Having to watch for ticks was kind of an “ick” factor though the 360-degree views compensated for our discomfort.

More flowers are beginning to bloom along the crest of the ridge including purple Douglasia and spring beauties. There are lots of glacier lilies blooming where snow has just melted as is their way. Friends sometimes ask how I remember to tell avalanche lilies and glacier lilies apart. My solution: think G for gold (glacier lily) and A for white (as in avalanche, snow).

There are good views of the Domerie Creek drainage of the northeast side of the ridge, including Mount Baldy. You cannot see Thomas Mountain from this ridge. On the southwest side, of course, are views of Easton Lake (so green!) and Kachess Lake (so blue!).

On our way back we ventured a little way onto the Domerie Divide trail to a favorite viewpoint of Kachess Lake, Silver Falls. The outcropping is a little exposed; don’t get too close to the edge.

To get there: From Seattle take I-90 east and turn off at Exit 70. Drive over the freeway and turn left onto a frontage road signed Kachess Dam Road and proceed to Forest Service Road No. 4818, turn right. Stay on Road No. 4818 to an unsigned road junction and turn right – continue about ½ mile to the trailhead, elevation 2,400 feet, no facilities. A Northwest Forest Pass is required. The maps are Green Trails Kachess Lake No. 208 and Green Trails Easton No. 240.

From the trailhead to Easton Ridge is about 5 miles round-trip about 1,950 feet gain.

Additional information: Cle Elum Ranger District (509-852-1100).

Return to Easton Ridge, May 20, 2011

EASTON RIDGE (May 20, 2011)

Finally – we enjoyed a delightful hike with summer-like conditions including wildflowers, sunshine, views and unfortunately – ticks. It’s unfortunate that when conditions are favorable for a pleasant hike on the east side that’s about the time the ticks are out and about on their relentless search for blood. We knew we’d need to be on the alert for the ticks but we didn’t prevent them from enjoying our day in the sun.

This hike is a favorite standby – the trail melts out earlier than many and it’s often where we spot the first glacier lilies and yellow bills of the season. This year was no exception – driving back from Umtanum Ridge a few days ago we noticed that Easton Ridge was mostly snow-free so a return to Easton Ridge was in order.

Easton Ridge is an enigma of trails ranging from established trails to game trails. Not even maps and guidebooks agree on mileages and elevations -- lingering snow always adds to the adventure. After parking at the trailhead (Kachess Ridge/Easton Ridge) we turned right onto a short path that leads to an old camping area along Silver Creek then walked upstream a bit to cross the creek on a bridge (happy the bridge is still there!).

We expected to be hiking in snow before the hike was over but that wasn’t too high a price to pay for getting to see wildflowers starting right from the trailhead. Glacier lilies and Calypso orchids added color to the first forested switchbacks after crossing Silver Creek. Trilliums are also at their peak, sweet and fresh.

After climbing a few switchbacks the trail meets a gravel road (about 2,700 feet). We turned left onto the road (no trail signs at the road). The road soon makes a switchback – and the trail is obvious (left, uphill). The sign is missing but there are splendid views of Lake Kachess here and improving as the trail begins to climb more steeply.

After gaining about 1,200 feet we reached the trail junction (signed) at 3,400 feet per the Green Trails map. Easton Ridge Trail No. 1212 (right) Domerie Divide Trail No. 1308-2 is to the left. As we continued on the Easton Ridge trail we began to encounter snow patches (not enough to obscure the trail).

A short steep climb brought us to a familiar-to-me rocky outcropping (about 4,300 feet). Here we stopped for views of Easton Lake and Kachess Lake before continuing upward. There are also views of Mount Rainier but it was hazy enough that getting a good photograph of the mountain was out of the question.

We began to encounter more snow than trail but route finding is easy and we managed to stay on the trail most of the time. The trail continues to several high points; each one inspired us to continue further until it looked like snow would be mostly continuous.

We stopped for lunch at one of the high points and that’s where the ticks were waiting for us. Having to watch for ticks was kind of an “ick” factor though the 360-degree views compensated for our discomfort.

More flowers are beginning to bloom along the crest of the ridge including purple Douglasia and spring beauties. There are lots of glacier lilies blooming where snow has just melted as is their way. Friends sometimes ask how I remember to tell avalanche lilies and glacier lilies apart. My solution: think G for gold (glacier lily) and A for white (as in avalanche, snow).

There are good views of the Domerie Creek drainage of the northeast side of the ridge, including Mount Baldy. You cannot see Thomas Mountain from this ridge. On the southwest side, of course, are views of Easton Lake (so green!) and Kachess Lake (so blue!).

On our way back we ventured a little way onto the Domerie Divide trail to a favorite viewpoint of Kachess Lake, Silver Falls. The outcropping is a little exposed; don’t get too close to the edge.

To get there: From Seattle take I-90 east and turn off at Exit 70. Drive over the freeway and turn left onto a frontage road signed Kachess Dam Road and proceed to Forest Service Road No. 4818, turn right. Stay on Road No. 4818 to an unsigned road junction and turn right – continue about ½ mile to the trailhead, elevation 2,400 feet, no facilities. A Northwest Forest Pass is required. The maps are Green Trails Kachess Lake No. 208 and Green Trails Easton No. 240.

From the trailhead to Easton Ridge is about 5 miles round-trip about 1,950 feet gain.

Additional information: Cle Elum Ranger District (509-852-1100).