Beckler Peak
Jul 04, 2011
by
Janice Van Cleve
—
last modified
Jul 04, 2011 08:28 PM
- Type of Outing
- Day hike
The trailhead at 3000'. Large berms prevent further vehicle passage.
The Mountaineer book "55 Hikes Around Stevens Pass" does not do justice to Beckler Peak. This hike is actually easy to find, not in bad condition, and gentle on the feet. Exit Highway 2 about a mile east of Foss River Road at the sign for FS6066. The signs are well placed in both directions. The road is in fairly good condition except for the potholes in the lower stretch. The road takes you up to 3000 feet in 7 miles to the junction of FS6066 and FS6067 which is the end of the road. Note that there is an informal shooting range under the power lines at the beginning of the road. Somebody has shot the junction sign at the trailhead to bits as well. The trailhead has no facilities but somebody has recently installed two posts which may indicate some future plans.
The trail follows the former road FS6066 but it is not unpleasant. It passes several washouts which is why the trailhead is back at the junction. Trees shade the route while the floor is blanketed with flowers, ferns, and miner's lettuce. After one switchback the road ends at a large logjam where logging crews apparently dumped their load. From here a very nice trail leads up to the ridgeline saddle which is completely covered in snow. There are twigs and branches from the trailhead to here but only 3 easy to cross blowdowns.
To proceed, find the rotted puncheon sticking out of the snow directy across the snow field from the end of the trail. Go straight up from here to reconnect with the trail about 200 feet up. When the snow melts, I will get up here again to find the inbetween trail parts. The trail can be followed through intermittent snowbanks for a ways, then becomes completely salt & pepper trackless snow. We climbed directly up from here another maybe 200 ft. gain to the shoulder of the summit.
Here is a wonderful winter wonderland. Undulating hills covered with 6' of snow invite exploration. The 2003 Mountaineers book speaks of an east summit with wonderful views but we did not find it. We enjoyed peekaboo views of Glacier Peak and playing in the snow and then found our way back down.
Note: There are very fresh signs of bear clawing on the trees and fresh scat.
The trail follows the former road FS6066 but it is not unpleasant. It passes several washouts which is why the trailhead is back at the junction. Trees shade the route while the floor is blanketed with flowers, ferns, and miner's lettuce. After one switchback the road ends at a large logjam where logging crews apparently dumped their load. From here a very nice trail leads up to the ridgeline saddle which is completely covered in snow. There are twigs and branches from the trailhead to here but only 3 easy to cross blowdowns.
To proceed, find the rotted puncheon sticking out of the snow directy across the snow field from the end of the trail. Go straight up from here to reconnect with the trail about 200 feet up. When the snow melts, I will get up here again to find the inbetween trail parts. The trail can be followed through intermittent snowbanks for a ways, then becomes completely salt & pepper trackless snow. We climbed directly up from here another maybe 200 ft. gain to the shoulder of the summit.
Here is a wonderful winter wonderland. Undulating hills covered with 6' of snow invite exploration. The 2003 Mountaineers book speaks of an east summit with wonderful views but we did not find it. We enjoyed peekaboo views of Glacier Peak and playing in the snow and then found our way back down.
Note: There are very fresh signs of bear clawing on the trees and fresh scat.
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Pleasant trail up to the snowfields.
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Bear scratching post
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Snow at the top
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