The Miller Peak loop hike in the Teanaway is open for hikers. There are a few patches of snow that pose no problem at all. There is also still one large drift about in the middle of where the trail traverses the south slope of Miller Peak. It is on the lee side of one of the ribs. I found it easy to skirt this drift on the low side. There is no exposure and it just takes a few minutes. However, due to the lay of land, motorbikes cannot get past this point. Thus there might not be too many bikes on the loop this weekend.

This is the first time I have done the loop clockwise. This meant heading up the Miller Peak trail. At the second stream crossing the rocks looked kinda iffy and I did not care for the branchless down log several feet above the stream. But no worries here since I packed along a brand new pair of ‘Stream Defenders’ to give them a test flight. I didn’t even have to sit down to put them on. Although I did modify them so they cinched up better. And then into the current I merrily strolled without a care in the world. Don’t you just love it when a kinda weird idea works better than you expected?

The scenery was stunning. In a day or two I will post more pics at http://www.nwhikers.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=7967824

We hiked the trail from the Iron Creek side and went north along Teanaway Ridge to the viewpoint just before the junction with the County Line trail. Met 5 motorcycles on the trail. They were not a problem, but they did tear up the wet areas. Some snow near the high point, but easy to get across.

The trail is in excellent condition, maybe too good. On our way back down to the trails crossing, we encountered five motor bikes coming up. We purposely hike mid-week to avoid crowds and noise. This is the first time we have ever seen motors on a trail in mid-week. (The bikers were extremely polite. They had stopped at a switchback to let the last two catch up. I regret to say that I was not polite.)

This is a nice loop hike, about 11-12 miles long, depending upon if you walk the final summit trail to Miller Peak. Many flower types were on display, first along Bear Creek (queens cup, vanilla leaf, shooting star, and columbine). More varieties were showing along Teanaway Ridge and the side of Miller Peak (lupine, paintbrush, scarlet gilia and a bunch I don’t know names for). I’m guessing the flowers are at peak for the next couple weeks.

The views were good along Teanaway Ridge and later along the side of Miller Peak. Note that the trail is in motorcycle country, so there are often loose turned-up rocks, especially on steep sections and at the higher elevations. The loose rock makes the hiking a little more strenuous, trying to maintain your balance. Just before the turnoff to the summit of Miller Peak I heard thunder and could see rain/snow falling near Mt. Stuart, so decided to complete the loop without summiting. The first part of the trail down into the Miller Creek drainage was steep, but the grade lessened once the valley floor was obtained.

Overall this was a peaceful hike with a great variety of flowers and good scenery. I only met 3 motorcyclists (60 secs of vrooom vrooom), and a couple of hikers with their dog.

Driving directions: Drive the North Fork Teanaway River Road #9737, until Stafford Creek Road #9703. Turn right onto Stafford Creek Road. Go 3.5 miles until road end, parking area and restroom.