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).

Spring?

It's going to be a while before the snow melts. A little too long for my comfort - I'm ready for it to be gone.

Hiking has been challenging this "spring" - the snow-free choices are few and many of those are far. A little too far right now with the rising

gas(P)! prices and fewer pennies in the penny jar. We've hiked several times in the Issaquah Alps (Tiger, Cougar Mountain Regional Park), Rattlesnake Ledge, Little Si and the Talus Loop (on Mount Si) and earlier in the year Kamikaze Falls. Also Snoquera Falls off SR 410 (there's been a landslide and/or rockfall on the trail just before you reach the falls - perhaps that's been fixed by now).

Where to go? Cowiche Canyon Conservancy (Yakima) is a good choice despite the long drive. Flowers are out, it's warm, sunny - at least warmer and sunnier than it is in Seattle. We've been to Lime Kiln recently (I co-led a Mountaineers hike) and it was a cool, cloudy day though it felt like it would rain any minute. That's OK though because it should be at least threatening rain when you hike the Lime Kiln Trail - just to get the historical ambience of the place. Heard somewhere that the Lime Kiln is "listing" but it looked fine to me. There's a washout not too far in above the river - it's not a place you'd die if you fell but you'd sure get muddy. Children might need help crossing this spot; otherwise it's manageable. That being said, I wouldn't cross that in a downpour.

The Blanchard Mountain Trail System is another year-round "goodie" - we've been to Oyster Dome and also Lily/Lizard Lakes (from the upper trailhead accessed from the Alger Exit on I-5 north). Signs of spring there too.

Even though Rattlesnake Ledge is always jumpin' on even a half-way decent day we went there on such a day but didn't mind the company. Most of us are getting stir-crazy and Rattlesnake Ledge is big enough to share with the crowds. We did meet crowds coming and going but the sun was shining and everyone was happy. That was about 10 days ago.

Today we did a hike at Cougar Mountain Regional Park but cut it short when it started to snow. I hike with an umbrella on days like these and by the time we were back at the car the umbrella had grown heavy with the weight of the snow. By now it's probably melted ... but jeepers, should it be snowing on Cougar Mountain THIS time of year? Again?

Grumble, grumble.

When all else fails ... head up to the Skagit Valley on a weekday (get an early start) and enjoy the tulips/daffodils. I call it the "miracle cure" for those of us with SAD.

These are desperate times

There's a topic on a hiking website with the subject like something like .... this weather blows!! I could add more "descriptive" words to describe this dismal state but that might be best left to your imagination.

This is the worst spring that I can recall since the early 1990s - then, on a backpack in the Olympics, spring flowers were popping up right next to the late summer flowers. There was still a lot of snow in the high country that year - Labor Day weekend. This year threatens to be like that one when it comes to hiking in the high country (sans traction devices/snowshoes). When will we get there??

Meanwhile .... the cost of gas, the weather and the snowy conditions are keeping us closer to home. We raid the penny jar for anything further away than North Bend or Enumclaw. My boots are falling apart and need to be replaced - that's on hold for a while too. That being said I keep hiking anyway - even in the snow. I can always dry off later.

Let's see .... I've been seeing more of Tiger Mountain and Cougar Mountain than I'd prefer lately but these hikes help keep me in shape. Little Si and the Boulder Garden trail also come in handy. I also like the Talus Loop on Mount Si.

We've been to Lily and Lizard Lake (from the upper trailhead) and managed to eke out about 1,600 feet and a little over 9 miles. That was about 10 days ago and it's starting to look like spring up there. And high time too! I bet the Blanchard Hill trail system is going to get a lot of business this spring -- aren't you glad it's there? I sure am. It's a long drive to the Alger exit off I-5 but these are desperate times. Desperate times.

Friends who have more pennies in their change jar have saved the day more than once -- a couple of snowshoe trips down to Mount Rainier a few months ago and a few days ago, a long, lazy, colorful day in the Skagit Valley - we couldn't have timed that better. The daffodils were still holding on nicely and the tulips are at peak (and still more to peak). The fields are muddy but that's what we wear old tennis shoes for. Not a problem.

Another incredible treat was Cowiche Canyon Preserve in Yakima - that was a couple weeks ago and it definitely felt (and looked) like spring that day. Again, a long drive but these are desperate times. As of a couple weeks ago there were grass widows, yellow bells, lomatiums, desert parsley and a few other early bloomers braving the elements. This should be a flower "hot spot" as of this writing. In addition to the flowers are the incredible colors of the canyon the trail runs through -- it's an old railroad grade. Parts of the trail squeeze between walls of columnar basalt in an array of earth-tones and striations. After the fact learned that the faces we saw in the rocks we thought resembled the faces of Easter Island are named that in the brochure (we didn't have the brochure). This is a great family hike too and a new trail has been added (at least new to me), the Winery Trail. That's a 3/4-mile trail that climbs to a winery where you can taste wine if so inclined. There's also the Uplands Trail (that was where most of the flowers were) and there are at least a couple other trailheads than the main one.

We'd planned a trip to Mount Rainier yesterday despite the expense but the weather looked pretty disagreeable down there. If we're going to make the trip down there we want at least a half-way decent day. Instead -- the Bellevue Botanical Garden saved the day (though the flowers are out, it still felt like winter).

Today we went to Cougar Mountain intending to go to my favorite spot -- Far Country Falls. Started from Red Town - were going to stop at Coal Creek Falls but apparently that approach is closed - a sign informs hikers that the bridge is damaged. Hiked to the Big Sky trailhead and intended to get to the Far Country but the pallid sun that teased us earlier in the day disappeared and it began to rain. We called the trip short and high-tailed it back to the trailhead as it rained, snowed and sleeted on us. The snow was sticking to the few cars that were in the Red Town parking lot.

I've taken up running - not only to keep my sanity while I wait for the snow to melt but to keep the pounds from creeping back as they have a tendency to do this time of year.

Desperate times.

I'm still here, still hiking!

Honest. I will do my best to keep this blog more up-to-date. Shame, shame on me. Truth is, I've been busy hiking, snowshoeing, writing, exploring, taking photos and dealing with daily life. It keeps me busy.

I'm working on several projects but more about that later.

The photo is from a recent hike to Snoquera Falls a few days ago.

Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, December 2010

COUGAR MOUNTAIN REGIONAL WILDLAND PARK (DECEMBER 22, 2010)

It was another black and white day on the western side of the mountains with a non-descript gray sky thrown in. Rain was in the forecast but it often is in the Pacific Northwest; we were prepared. Under these conditions we knew there wouldn’t be much to photograph but we enjoying trying. In fact, some of my best photographs have been on those days when the light was poor because I’ve had to look harder for subject matter. On black and white days like these I long for a better macro-lens because the microscopic world is fascinating and often provides exceptional beauty to those willing to look. A broken branch beside the trail can provide Van Gogh reds and yellows; and a wisp of lichen can take on the intricacy of tattered lace and moss the lime-green of hippie-days Day-Glo extravaganzas.

It being mid-week there were only a couple other vehicles at Red Town where we began our wandering and musing. We had no idea where we wanted to go; Coal Creek Falls was rejected because of the lack of light or ice formations and we’d recently hiked other trails on Cougar Mountain. We’d left the map at home not because we are mindless idiots but because we wanted to wander and be surprised at what we discovered. Besides, the trail system is generally well signed and you never have to venture far before you come out at a trailhead.

One of the trails we hiked was the Old Man’s Trail (we joked we took that trail because we were feeling old). Why it is called the Old Man’s Trail remains a mystery to us but it is a relatively gentle trail that eventually comes out near the Sky Country trailhead, a trailhead that was new to us. We also hiked the Cave Hole Trail, the Coyote Trail and the Klondike Swamp Trail not in that order (We’d started at Red Town and hiked the Cave Hole Trail, turning off onto the Old Man’s Trail (also new to us), came out at the Sky Country trailhead, retraced our route back via the Old Man’s Trail back to the Cave Hole Trail then took the bypass trail to the Klondike Swamp Trail then took the Coyote Trail back to the Cave Hole Trail, then back to Red Town.

The hike ended up being about 6 miles with 615 feet gain – not a strong work-out but a pleasant leg-stretcher with fresh air; plus, the little bit of photography we were able to indulge in was good for the soul.

By the way if you do forget your Green Trails map (No. 203S, Cougar Mountain/Squak Mountain) there are printed maps available at the trailheads.