This week we headed out to the Mountain Loop Highway to take on Vesper Peak, one of the many hikes in the area that remain snowbound most of the year. The hike description hinted at stunning views, a lake, and perhaps traces of a mining operation, but cautioned that the route was difficult and a little treacherous. Vesper Peak delivered on both counts – we got our views, but our legs paid for them.

The Sunrise Mine Trail #707 begins by threading through a ragged stand of trees, with almost no underbrush. Greenery soon appears as a series of creeks and rivers cut across the rocky trail. The largest and most formidable is the South Fork Stillaguamish River, located about a half-mile down the trail. There are no permanent bridges here, so use caution crossing over rocks and logs, especially during the spring. Once you make it past the water, the trees begin to recede and the work begins. The trail slices through a valley of dense underbrush, switchbacking upwards toward the cliffs above. The narrow trail is more root and rock than earth, with parts of the trail missing where sections have fallen away.

To see the full report, check out:

http://www.hikingwithmybrot[…]ail-707-to-vesper-peak.html

Nathan & Jer

The trail has a few down trees but nothing that is difficult until the creek crossing. We spent a few minutes walking up and down trying to find a easy spot to cross. It is easier to hike up the creek and cross two smaller creeks instead of one large one. Once across, there was a bit of snow that had to be crossed and was icy in a few sections. The trail was solid snow once we reached the valley. This is a good place to put on the gators and get the ice axes out. We simply went straight up the valley to pass since this was to easy and most direct way. Several steep areas have hard snow and made it more difficult to kick steps but it was not too bad. We only made to the pass because the fog was quite thick and we could not see Vesper Peak or Morningstar peak. After lunch the fog was lifting from the valley so the route back down was easy to follow. Near the pass, the slope is quite steep so we took it easy getting down until we were off the hard snow. The glisade down was quite fun. Of course, I was first so the speed was not too high. In all, a good hike with amazing rock walls and views to the other side of mountain loop highway. Right now this hike is not recommended unless you have ice ax skills.

Heavy snowfall over the last several days has left those areas beyond the Deer Creek Winter Gates at mile post 23.3 on the Mountain Loop Highway,covered in deep snow.This finally allowed the US Forest Service and the Snohomish County Road Department to close the Deer Creek Gates for the winter.

The highway was plowed on Sunday night the 15th and the gates pulled closed and after the last vehicle that had been parked at the Monte Cristo Trailhead for winter camping activity,had driven out.The gates were locked on Monday morning the 16th.

Since Monday morning several feet of snow (3 feet or more) has fallen,making for good
snowshoe and cross-country skiing. Beware that the area is also open to snomobiles which are required to keep their speeds down in areas used for multiple recreation.

DO NOT park between the "NO PARKING BEYOIND THIS POINT"-"SNOW PLOW TURNAROUND" signs
and the yellow gates unless you are prepared to receive a $124.00 traffic citation for failing to obey the signs.Park so the snow plow can get past your vehicle as well.

BEWARE OF FALLING,OVERHEAD HAZARDS created by the heavy snow-load on the trees. There
is a threat of being stranded for an extended period of time if trees fall and block the highway,so come prepared for that possibility,have food,water,and extra clothing just in case. Have a full gas tank.

EXTREME AVALANCHE DANGERS...DO NOT CROSS THE ALUMINUM BRIDGE AT THE ICE CAVES.

Enjoy your stay and be safe,

Deputy Rasar

Headed out early to Sunrise Mine trail. First one at the trail head today. So pleased with the drive to the trail head. Some views of snow capped peaks and the road is in good condition. Headed out on this trail for my first time and right away am happy I did. The first stream crossing has a fairly stable board to walk across. Looks like it might have been part of an old bridge crossing it was a bit slippery. The third river crossing was a bit trickier but had several places to try crossing if need be. The trail is in great shape, lot's of old growth trees and views of Mount Dickeman and Stillaguamish peak along the way.Once you come to the talus fields you can look across the valley and see what looks to be the entrance to sunrise mine. Does anyone know if the mine is seen from the trail? I will post a picture. You can also see Morning Star, Lewis peak and Sperry peak. I'm sure I'm leaving some out. I didn't have a lot of time today so I couldn't explore Headlee pass like I wanted to but ventured around all the talus fields. I saw what looked to be a mink or fisher. Lot's of Pikas gathering food. A really neat ice cave has formed. The snow has covered the tops of the peaks and as I was exploring it started to snow so I decided to head back. I can't wait to come back up to do Vesper lake and Vesper peak. Too many hikes and so little time :)