To the Top of Blustery Mt Adams

Lupine in full bloom

Looking south with Mt Hood in view

Mt Hood

Sunset at 7,500 ft

Our protected campsite!! Perfect site!!

The beauty laden landscapes of pure blue skies over endless wind melted white snow started to slightly become blended with  a weak headache. At 10,000 feet up Mt Adams, my joyous adventure slightly strayed off course from normal back and leg soreness to a painful headache and slight shortness of breath . Altitude sickness was a term i could explain if asked about but not because of any experience dealing with it. 
We trekked on with our micro spikes piercing snowy step after step. The headache slowly became more painful as time and elevation climbed on. 
Once at the top, 12,276 ft, i was over joyed, partly because we conquered the mountain and partly because soon we'd start our decent which meant relief for my head.
The wind was howling atop the summit to the point where standing up was difficult especially now that the altitude sickness made me slightly dizzy. 
Later on down the mountain a fellow hiker spread the news that the winds were clocked at around 75 mph on the summit block 
We took pictures, rejoiced and soaked up all the views!! 
Next came the incredible glissading down the snowy slopes. From near the top all the way down to near 9,500 ft we slid on our wet cold bums enjoying one snowchute after another.  
Climbing Adams was a feat I'd do all over again! It was a new high point for me. Saying i hiked the 2nd highest peak in Washington state will never get old.
The climb was easier than i thought, minus the altitude sickness. It was more about endurance than anything else. Microspikes, an iceaxe, proper mountain boots , a sturdy tent and proper apparel for the ever changing high mountain conditions was all we needed. 
We camped just above 7,000 ft near the Crescent glacier area. I was surprised by the number of campsites and rock shelters that lined the trail from 6,000 ft to 10,000 ft. The crowd of people was shocking! It was a great weekend to be on Adams, with crystal blue skies and warm temps. This was July after all. We saw nearly  100 plus people climbing the peak that weekend.
There was a boyscout group from Spokane, Washington ascending up. Their plan was to climb Adams in two nights and three days. Skiers were also enjoying the slopes along with dogs who climbed along side their partners! I saw people who didn't come prepared. Some had no iceaxes, no crampons or microspikes, with only boats, wearing shorts, and no gloves. The guy wearing shorts did have gloves though, lol!
The wildflowers put on a display and i kept firing shots left and right with my camera.
The sunset was incredible with all the colors a hiker could ask for.
The landscapes were magnificent! They changed from dry forest lands to recent wildfire swept lands. Then to alpine wind blown forest lands and finally to the craggy high alpine snow swept lands which blankets the volcano from 8,000 ft up to the summit.
By the way have a blast on the 4 to 5 hour drive from Seattle or anywhere else as Adams lies in the middle of nowhere!
If your a hiker and you haven't climbed Mt Adams is should be on the top of your list for 2015!!!
My phone battery went dead about 2,000 ft from the top. Wish i had pictures. I will update this blog later with hope allison who joined me on this trek will send me her pictures.



Mt Adams info:
US Forest Service http://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/giffordpinchot/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=fsbdev3_005104
Summitpost http://www.summitpost.org/mount-adams/150198

MARTEN LAKE, ALPINE LAKES WILDERNESS

MARTEN CREEK FROM NEAR THE TRAILHEAD

Almost two months ago I day hiked the unpopular Marten Lake Trail. The trail is considered unmaintained, which i quickly found out to be so true! In my opinion unmaintained and unpopular hikes interest me for several reasons. First, because their not crowded. Secondly because they can be challenging and the sense of accomplishment is thrilling. Thirdly, the joy of route-finding makes the trail exciting and mentally challenging.
While not really any route-finding skills were needed on the Marten lake trail, due in part to footprints in the snow, the trail still was challenging. The trail had many areas of thick roots and brush to battle. A couple sections of minimal root and rock scrambling were needed near the top.

MARTEN LAKE

Rain fell after i was half way up but the outlet of the lake is treed. Therefore without getting wet i took in the minimal views from under the trees as i through my fishing line out into the small portion of the lake that was unfrozen. The rain was steady so after a 1/2 hour of snack time/fishing time i headed back. 
Marten Creek is an awesome creek to explore. In spring so called creek is a torrid river. The creek is covered with large rocks as the creek cuts through a cliff faced canyon. This was the best part  of the hike exploring the raging water. The power of water is respectfully intimidating!
I missed the trailhead as there's no trailhead sign. Their is a trail cairn on the left side with two sticks stuck in the rocks as a marker. If you reach the marten creek bridge you've gone to far!!
Keep Exploring!!!

LOOKING SOUTH WITH TREEN PEAK AND GARFIELD MT ABOVE THE CLOUDS

MARTEN CREEK LOOKING MORE LIKE A RIVER

MARTEN CREEK

MARTEN CREEK TRAILHEAD OFF ON YOUR RIGHT (PILES OF ROCKS)

A TAGGED ELK

Roundtrip : 8.6 miles

Trail number : #1006

Trailhead amenities: Map, good amount of parking

Elevation gain: 1, 772 feet from trailhead

Wildlife seen: Elk, robins and chickadees

Fishing: no luck- lake mostly frozen over

Permits: Forest pass required at trailhead

Water available: Taylor River, Marten Creek and Marten Lake

Camping: No designated camping spots, though camping is permitted at the lake. Fires permitted. Middle Fork Campground is located near back on FR 5600

Other trails near: Snoqualmie Lake Trail 1002, Middle Fork Trail 1003, CCC Trail 1264, Lower Pratt River Trail 1035





Directions: Take exit 34 on interstate 90. If your driving east on interstate 90 take a right on 468th ave SE. If your heading west on interstate 90 take a left on 468th ave SE. Next drive .6 miles and take a right onto SE Middle Fork Rd. Then drive 12.5 miles on SE Middle Fork Rd which turns into NF Rd 5600  to your destination where you will come to a gated bridge.

Melakwa Lake Hike: Alpine Lakes Wilderness

Denny Creek

Somehow my first post on this hike got deleted so here's a quick rehash.

I had Friday off and needed to get up into the mountains. If you have read any of my posts then that last statement is pretty much how i start all my posts!! I'll think of something new to say next time, i promise. But this just goes to prove what my mindset is every time i head to the mountains.

The snow depth in the cascades was lacking and it was already the end of December. Therefore i grabbed my boots and drove to the Denny Creek Trail. With only 2 to 6 inches of snow on the trail from trailhead to Melakwa Lake, no snowshoes were needed. The snow made everything pristine!! 

The hike heads up and over Hemlock Pass and down to Melakwa Lake. Denny creek is always roaring beautifully with keekwulee falls a gem to gaze at. On a clear day several peaks sky above Melakwa Lake. I've heard the lake holds trout, but i got skunked without even touching the water with my pole. The ice was to thick to break through. Next time!!

Here's some pics and info, enjoy!

Interstate 90

Denny Creek

Heading up to Hemlock Pass

Staying warm at the lake

  

Keekwulee Falls

  

Trail Info:

Trail Number - #1014

Total Miles - 4.7 miles from trailhead to lake/ 9.4 miles round trip

Elevation Gain - start 2300 ft/ 4500 at lake / 2200 total ft gained

trailhead - parking lot and bathrooms

viewing - waterfalls, subalpine, lake, fishing, Low Mountain, Hemlock Peak, Bryant Peak, Chair Peak, Kaleetan Peak

Wildlife seen - Chickadees

Adventures via Denny Creek Trail - Chair Peak lake, Lower Tuscohatchie lake, Peak bagging

Trail Condition - The first 1/2 was excellent but after that i have no idea because of snow on trail

Map - Green Trails Map 207S

Fishing - Rumor has is the lake has trout

Camping - No camping at the lake

Fires - 

Permits - Northwest Forest Pass required

Directions - From I-90 take exit 47. Take an left to go over the overpass is coming eastbound. Take a right if coming westbound. Next take a right on forest road 5800. Follow for a little while and pass Denny creek campground. Next take a left soon after passing the campground and your there.

GET OUT THERE!!!

Lake of the Angels: Olympic National Park (Putvin Trail)

Looking NE from Lake of the Angels

In bed I leaned over my left  shoulder to glance at my phone. Crap, its 10am already. I slept in. Its Friday and i have the day off.  Jumping out of bed sunbeams are streaming into my room! It's not raining!!!! Score!!

Quickly my backpack is packed with gear and extra clothing. The civic peels off of the gravel sidewalk and quickly I'm navigating towards the Olympic National Park!
I wanted to try my chances hiking the Lake of the Angels trail, otherwise know as the "Putvin Trail"! I had hiked the trail last September (2014) on a rainy and windy day where low clouds blocked all views that surrounded the lake. But today was clear, cold but clear with barely a cloud in  the sky.

 



Mt Rainier from Hamma Hamma River Valley, el. 3,,500 ft

 

No car was parked in the trail parking lot! Score! Solitude, even though the mountains seem to keep me from being lonely!!
With my running shoes on i cruised up the trail with my boots in my pack expecting snow in the alpine.

Northface of Mt Jefferson

 

Soon running came to a halt and hiking became the norm.

Just above 3,500 feet, the no fire zone, the alpine became visible. An alder meadow presented itself as a creek swiftly flew the meadow. Above the meadow elevation quickly ran straight up allowing waterfalls to fall. One such waterfall was half ice. 

Next the steepest climb began! At a couple points the hike turns into rock climbing where at one point climbing rope has been tied to a tree trunk to pull oneself up. Soon after this, alpine is near and views looking across the hamma hamma river reveal the craggy cliffy ridge of Mt. Jefferson.

 



Jefferson Ridge



 

The trail continued but this time with snow. I decided to not take a break and trudge through with my Adidas running shoes. Deeper and deep it became with about a foot deep at its deepest.The lake was frozen over with exception to the mouth where a fast creek was bubbling.



Lake of the Angels



 

I made it to the lake after sunset which was very disappointing! At least the sky was blue, snow pristine, and the views were capturing!! Worth it the effort!

After switching to the boots and eating some carrots and hummus for a snack the trail was underfoot again.

Darkness came half way down the trail and soon the comfort of the car encompassed me. If only i could do it all over again tomorrow!

 



Frozen pond



 

 



Sunset