Cougar Divide

ROGAC (Really Olde Guys Alpine Club) members Jim Champa and Jerry Myhr planted their really old tired souls on the summit of Hadley Peak by way of Cougar Divide the last day of September 2008. By all measures, a spectacular day in beautiful country.

Wells Creek Road (USFS #33) to the trailhead is in remarkably good shape: only two short sections with washboards, few potholes, and the best news is the road beyond the bridge (crossing over Wells Creek) is brushed. Make no mistake, beyond the bridge, the road has rocky stretches, so you need to slow down and contend with the bumps. Also, there is one steep section that becomes narrow with a hair-raising drop-off, so you need to pay attention to the road and have both hands on the steering wheel, as well as temporarily suspending sight-seeing.

Okay. From the trailhead parking area at 4,920 feet, the trail ascends gradually to a knob with a magnificant view of Mount Baker. The tread forks here: take the right fork for a short steep descent and continue to descend while also negotiating a few blowdowns. The blowdowns are not show stoppers, so no worries. The path follows the ridge crest through stands of tall conifers and occasionally breaks out through openings, providing stunning views of Mount Shuksan. The trail then rises above timber to open country along the divide for magnificant views. The image tells all. Considering this trail receives little to no maintenance, it is very good shape and is a highly recommended dayhike.

Most folks will be content stopping where Cougar Divide toes into Chowder Ridge, about 2.5 miles from the trailhead at 5,800 feet elevation. We continued onward and upward to gain Chowder Ridge for more unbelievable views of Mount Baker, including Coleman & Roosevelt Glacier, as well as Twin Sisters. The route to Hadley Peak's summit is airy in spots and requires route finding skill. If you are not an experienced scrambler, then this is not the route to attempt. Views from Hadley's summit are nothing short of breathtaking.