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Showing all trip reports for the hike "Carne Mountain"

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See a picture of this report's	Carne Mountain — Oct 24, 2009 — Kirklander Why go now: Fall foliage Expand report text Hide report text The larches are peaking now (hiked on 10/24). We started from Bothell around 7:30 and took us 3.5 hours to get... The larches are peaking now (hiked on 10/24). We started from Bothell around 7:30 and took us 3.5 hours to get to the trail head. The last 10 or so miles were very bumpy dirt road that you may want to drive through in a high-clearing vehicle. It was pretty chilly when we started. The parking lot was pretty empty that day. If that were happen to you on your first time there, it means you REALLY have to pay attention to the trail fork that leads to the Carne Mountain. It was pretty close to the trail head and if you have crossed two creeks, you've passed it. It is a Y-shaped split with a sign on the left. Missing that fork cost us almost 45 minutes. The ascend was not as steep as feared. And for a long stretch of time, we traveled in heavily wooded area. The view was good but not yet striking. However, things changed really fast once we passed 2.5 mile. After passing the exposed slope mentioned in the trail guide, we soon reached the rim of the Carne basin. A step over the rim, we suddenly entered a different realm. The dense and bright gold larch forest around the basin looked like a flaming golden bowl. There was some snow on the ground, and the trail hardened underneath because of ice. It was not quite 3:30 but the sun was hovering over the ridges. So we hurried to the top, always taking left-most trail at crossroads. The view at the summit was more than rewarding. I would save my time and leave some space for imagination and motivation. However, if you are just poking around here and are curious of what it looked like when we were there, I have attached a few pics here.

No image submitted	Carne Mountain — Oct 12, 2009 — Abby110 Why go now: Fall foliage Expand report text Hide report text Incredibly cold day -- when we got to the trailhead around 10:30, I would guess it was in the twenties.... Incredibly cold day -- when we got to the trailhead around 10:30, I would guess it was in the twenties. But I was determined to see the larches in Carne Basin. Trail is in good shape, just a bit dusty in place. The creek running through Carne Basin was partially frozen, but no snow on the trail. Larches were beautiful. We decided not to go to the summit because of the cold and our late start. I would highly recommend the trip, just on a warmer day.

See a picture of this report's	Carne Mountain — Oct 11, 2009 — Just a hiker Why go now: Fall foliage Expand report text Hide report text Zion called last year so I missed what had become an annual hike to Carne Mt and its larches. ... Zion called last year so I missed what had become an annual hike to Carne Mt and its larches. Zion was excellent but this is another spot in an overwhelming array of PARADISES. It was a crisp clear day as we drove up from Leavenworth via Plain. The road is long and seemed even longer on the way out as we kept looking for the pavement to start again. A passenger car is adequate but take a few of the rougher portions slowly. The trail starts off UP and continues that way to the basin. It was very dry and the our footfalls created waves of dust almost the entire way to the top and more so down. The trail switchbacks through the woods and climbs quickly through some upper woods, hits open slopes and switchbacks some more before entering the sublime basis with a small creek. The creek was partially frozen. You pass through the meadow (where some folks were camping) and then switchback up through larches and more larches. The sun filtering through those golden and pale green soft trees is unrivaled and while I was pretty tired, it definitely lifted my spirits. Pay homage as you hike up from the basin to the fallen "largest larch" - it was a beaut in its day. You switchback and traverse up to the left and a small saddle and the hike up to the summit. Views in all directions, Rock Creek below on one side and Trinity and Phelps Creek below on the other, the basin, Glacier, Clark, Maude, Seven Fingers, Spider Glacier, Chiwawa, Buck, Fortress and more. The larches were not entirely turned even with the chill weather. This week will probably conclude their seasonal display but a strong storm could end it quickly. It is worth the return trip and another return trip and ..... Larches are MAGICAL.

See a picture of this report's	Carne Mountain — Jul 17, 2009 — D. Inscho Expand report text Hide report text Starting new in a familiar place; that was the theme for this trip to my beloved Entiat Mountains. ... Starting new in a familiar place; that was the theme for this trip to my beloved Entiat Mountains. Last year’s explorations revealed lovely camps on the ridge NE of Carne Mountain. They are located at about 6600’ where the ridge broadens and levels briefly, between spines of rock, before ascending into the austere alpine zone. The very snow that melted in my pots for water defined this luxuriant retreat. Winter snows, blown from slopes below on each side, accumulates deeply on the ridge top. A thin curtain of trees just beyond the crest on each side created an intimate feeling; a sort of meadow hallway of grasses and wildflowers. I mined one of these remnant drifts, cold and pure, for my water. Bodhran used another as a frosty lounge in the sun. The hike gains about 3100’ to the pass between Carne Mtn. and the former Carne Mtn. LO site, then loses 200’, climbs 150’ to exit Rock Creek drainage north on the Leroy High Route. After dropping again it leaves the Leroy route at a switchback, shortly traversing talus from the spiny ridge above to the east. After the talus the track becomes murky. One must scramble upward to a narrow gap where the track re-appears, having been clawed by beast and hiker alike I imagine. From the ridge one must puzzle around a few more spines to the softness of The Destination. You will know when you have arrived; your body will not let you to continue. Total gain is about 3800’. It took me about 3.25 hours in 70 degree heat. There are some signs of historical usage, but not very recent, including an arrow shaped from rocks deeply embedded in the grass. I pitched the tent in the shade of a whitebark pine for cool afternoon siestas, crucial relief from sun, heat, and bugs (mostly tiny vicious mosquitoes). Wind kept bugs from being too much of a bother, although I still had to apply 95% DEET Friday and Saturday. Both nights brought cool air and brilliant stars in near-moonless skies. Delightful metallic bug sounds serenaded sleep. Saturday night was below freezing, solving the bug problem Sunday morning. The camp had easy views of Maude, Glacier, Fortress, Chiwawa, Buck, Carne, Old Gib, and the grand Rock Creek drainage. I have finally traded my old Nikons for digital so can include some images of the trip. A forest fire flared suddenly in the Suiattle drainage Friday at about 4:30p, somewhere near Triad creek I figured. A helicopter reconnoitered the blaze briefly around 6 and flew off. I did not see it on subsequent days so it is likely back in sleep mode. Other excitement included Bodhran’s meet-n-greet with a coyote on Saturday morning. I was preparing for a day-hike near the tent; he was doing dog things around camp like sniffing and acting hungry. When I came out from around some small trees I saw him just outside of camp advancing cautiously toward a healthy looking coyote; the coyote was also cautiously advancing. They were about 10 feet apart. The coyote (casually) ran when I blundered onto the scene. No time for me to be alarmed. I would like to think I would have allowed the encounter had I had the choice. He outweighed the coyote by 10 pounds. Without malice or pressing hunger there would have only been curiosity I imagine, “Where do you live?” “What have you been eating?” I thank coyote for the encounter none-the-less; it is good to be reminded of one’s visitor status. There were lots of bird varieties as well: Evening Grosbeaks; hummingbirds; Hermit thrush; Swanson’s thrush; Western Tanagers; and one Audubon’s Warbler. I should also note the companionable razzing presence of the Clark’s Nutcracker. We did summit point 7968 on our day hike, Bodhran and I. It commanded views of Maude, Ice Lakes and the Chelan group of mountains. A bonus exploration of the route indicated by the rock arrow revealed, disappointingly, that it only descended, poorly I might add, to the lower Leroy High route. One more question answered though. Given the climactic avalanche destruction at the head of Rock Creek valley, I doubt there is much of anything that might be called a trail anymore. Snow scoured rock, old trees, and dirt from the heights to a proper mess in the valley bottom, some tracks a mile long, even curving up the other side. I have been to this area many times over the years, almost consecutively; it was a joy to see it in a new way, with novel encounters. I think it bodes well for this season of travel, if not life itself. Happy Trails!

No image submitted	Carne Mountain — Jul 14, 2009 — benjaminscott Why go now: Wildflowers blooming Beware of: Overgrown Expand report text Hide report text Beautiful hike - clear to summit, gorgeous views all around, many wildflowers still in bloom. There was a lot of... Beautiful hike - clear to summit, gorgeous views all around, many wildflowers still in bloom. There was a lot of buzzing at the top, but very few bugs that cared to bite! Directions in "Day Hiking: Central Cascades, C. Romano" are about dead-on. I would clarify that the first junction with the "Old Gib Trail" has a slightly confusing sign, just remember to keep left at any point the trail meets another. Also, when driving from the West, the Chiwawa River Road sign is pretty small, turn left when you see the big green Chiwawa Valley sign, that is the Chiwawa River Rd. Finally, I am not an overnighter, but the campsite looks pretty derelict to me - certainly not someplace I'd want to spend any time, and, it isn't really "creekside" - there's a lot of brush between the site and the creek.

No image submitted	Carne Mountain — Jul 04, 2009 — whsy82 Why go now: Wildflowers blooming Expand report text Hide report text Though there were literally 42 cars/trucks at the trailhead, we had the basin to ourselves. Only saw one other... Though there were literally 42 cars/trucks at the trailhead, we had the basin to ourselves. Only saw one other pair of hikers on way down. Flowers still out. A bit of snow in basin but looks clear to ridge now.

See a picture of this report's	Carne Mountain — Jun 27, 2009 — steve_podleski Why go now: Wildflowers blooming Beware of: Snow on trail Expand report text Hide report text It was a great day for a hike in the Phelps Creek area, sunny, warm and a slight breeze. ... It was a great day for a hike in the Phelps Creek area, sunny, warm and a slight breeze. This was my first hike up the Carne Mountain trial and I had some trepidation because of snow warning by the local ranger stations. The worse part was the long drive on Chiwawa River road to the trailhead. There was no snow up to 6200ft , but the basin and slopes up to the carne mountain west side ridge is completely snow covered but you can walk across the basin and up the ridge with trekking poles and kick stepping; the east side of the ridge is snow free. At 5500ft, the meadows are covered with flowers and you get fantastic views of the Chiwawa Mountains. On the ridge top you have a direct view into the Spider Meadows, Spider Glacier and Spider Gap. On the east side you have great views of the Entiat Mountains. There were no mosquitoes but some flies. Lots more pics on http://picasaweb.google.com/[…]/CarneMountain2009#

See a picture of this report's	Carne Mountain — Oct 11, 2008 — Eric le Fatte Beware of: Snow on trail Expand report text Hide report text The larches are turning and the mountains are closing down for winter. When it was clear that good weather and... The larches are turning and the mountains are closing down for winter. When it was clear that good weather and a nearly full moon were meeting up with the larches over the weekend, Hans and I reckoned to be there too. Even though Carne Mountain had been highlighted as a place to catch the show, we gambled that it wouldn't be too busy, and weren't so keen on driving to outposts North and East. As it was, from our inconvenient location near the 45th parallel, it took seven hours to the Phelps Creek Trailhead, where we arrived about ten, with just a few convenient parking spaces to spare. It was cold as we donned hats and scarves and gloves, and stuffed more clothes into our packs. My hiking poles apparently had other plans for the weekend, so I annexed a walking stick a quarter mile into the hike, where 1508 to Carne turns East from the trail (1511) to Spider Gap. The initial long switchbacks on the route are pretty gentle, and as the path zig-zags up, the views improve steadily to the West. As we got closer to the basin, stretches of ice and snow encroached on the trail, but footing wasn't an issue, at least on the uphill tack. We ultimately emerged into the larch-dotted, snow-filled basin and looked for a place to tent. Our off trail explorations on the knob to the North revealed a few flat, but snow-covered sites, so we descended to the basin to eat lunch and reconnoiter. After considerable deliberation, we picked the one five by seven foot bare pre-existing campsite in the basin and set up shop. Since we had whittled away a fair amount of the afternoon, we then hurried to trace the footsteps of day-hikers up to Carne Mountain. As we trekked up through the snow, we crossed paths with a dozen or so day-hikers, and were infiltrated by the magical scenery. Buck and Clark Mountains and the snow-blanketed Chiwawa Ridge occupied the balcony above sparse groves of austere, brightly lit, pumpkin-colored larches. Once the path to Carne cuts left from the Rock Creek Trail (1509) and attains the ridgeline, the views are unencumbered: East across Rock Creek valley to Fifth of July and the Rampart Mountains; North along the Entiat Crest, with Maude and Seven Fingered Jack, the Ice Lakes basin, and hints of the Leroy High route; and then West, past Chiwawa Ridge and the White Mountains, beyond Glacier Peak to the sun sinking below the clouds. We surveyed the distant lands with the last of the day-hikers, and clicked more pictures as clusters of larches whispered among themselves. We returned to the basin at dusk, filtered water from the snow banks of the meandering stream, and put on clothes. I counted three pairs of socks, five layers of pants, nine layers on the top, and a hat, scarf, and mittens; but Hans beat that with an additional scarf and two hats. Thus fortified, we sat down to cocktail hour, dinner, and dessert. The skies were cloudy, but the moon climbed above the pass to join us for our night time constitutionals. Eventually, stars to the North came out, telling us it was time for bed. On Sunday morning, we lounged till nine and had a leisurely breakfast. We packed up and picked our way down through some initial icy patches, greeting a dozen day hikers along the way. We got to our car, celebrated with a beer each, and drove home with the elegy of autumn in our minds.

No image submitted	Carne Mountain — Oct 05, 2008 — Anto Anthony Muthu Why go now: Wildflowers blooming, Fall foliage Expand report text Hide report text Little Challenging to climb to the top of the perch. Took us 2.30 hours. The best part of the trek... Little Challenging to climb to the top of the perch. Took us 2.30 hours. The best part of the trek was the climb from the basin to the perch. The larches were flush with yellow. The basin was looking surreal. Almost dreamy. From the basin, we climbed up and we came upon a fork. We took the left fork as suggested by a few folks climbing down. This trails kind of ends at the peak but one has to turn right from there onwards to walk along the ridge to get to the perch. The 360 degree view from the perch is breathtaking, raw and wild.

See a picture of this report's	Phelps Creek #1511,Leroy Creek High Route #1512,Carne Mountain #1508 — Aug 09, 2008 — D.Baxter Beware of: Washouts Expand report text Hide report text After some last minute changes to the plan due to weather, and shortening the trip to three days, we set... After some last minute changes to the plan due to weather, and shortening the trip to three days, we set out for the trailhead. We crossed our fingers leaving Seattle under drizzle, driving out into heavier rain. It ended up being just Yumi and myself for this one, Joanna dropping off at the last minute due to bad-dog related complications. It was fairly cool and the weather far from certain when we set out along the Phelps creek trail. Near our turn off to Leroy basin we passed a large group camped beside the trail. They told us of riding out the worst rains and thunderstorms they'd ever seen the night before. We hoped we'd fare better and were constantly looking over our shoulders at every dark cloud that floated past. We pushed on and reached Leroy basin, finding only one tent there. It was a pretty place with lots of marmots scampering around and Seven Fingered Jack hanging overhead. That was our original goal for the day but with the uncertain weather the last thing we wanted was to get caught in a storm high on the loose rock. It was also too early to pitch camp and just sit around, so we opted to have a travel day and pushed on to Ice Lakes. Route finding was overall pretty straight forward until we hit the infamous scoured out avalanche chute. It was only 15-20 ft deep and equally wide but was a difficult obstacle. I went first, dropping down the very steep dirt and loose rock sides with some difficulty. I found myself wishing I'd brought my ice axe to sink the pick in for some kind of hand hold. Tricker still was the climb on the far side. I started up towards a cairn, following some boot prints when, about halfway up, the ground under my feet gave way. I grabbed onto some exposed rocks, hoping they'd hold, and pulled myself up rock after rock until my feet could find purchase. Not a far fall bit it would have been very painful and likely trip ending. And of course when I reached the top I spotted a nice, easy step-like way up which Yumi took advantage of. Onward we went and after some more talus crossings we crested the ridge to look down on Ice Lakes. Off to the south and east it was beautiful blue sky but behind us we could see the black skies and rain moving in. We dropped quickly down the snowfields, myself on the rock and scree, Yumi glissading. After a quick search we found a reasonably sheltered campsite in a clump of larch on the knob south of the upper lake. It also had a good little cooking area with rock benches and a large rock for a wind break. We would really need that. Not long after we pitched camp the clouds rolled in and the wind picked up. It did not relent the entire night. We bundled up with all our clothes, Yumi even with a down parka, but we were still shivering well before sunset. We were forced into the tents early for a second trip in a row. I stayed up awhile reading, knowing I'd have a hard time sleeping with the wind buffeting my Tarptent all night. It held strong, much better than at Lake Augusta last month, but was still incredibly noisy and cold. Dust also blew in through the mesh, sand blasting my face most of the night. There were a few bouts of small hailstones, but thankfully it didn't rain. I awoke fairly late, taking advantage of the calm morning winds to get a little more rest. Still I was tired. The weather was a little more promising, with blue skies as we ate our breakfast, but then the snow flurries started. This is August! It's not supposed to snow in August! I dont care that we were camped at the aptly named ""Ice Lakes"", it's just not supposed to happen! Anyway. We decided to check out the lower Ice lake while waiting for Maude to emerge from the clouds. We crossed over to the lake outlet and found we had to scramble down a 50 ft steep chimney to reach our descent route. Normally it appears one could drop down along the lake shore to reach it but currently there is a steep snow slope dropping down right into the lake preventing this. The scramble was quite steep, and a little difficult, but still fun. We dropped the rest of the way on dirt and scree slope beside the outlet waterfall, passing another pair of hikers headed up Maude. We circled down around the little pond formed by the upper lake outflow, walking to the edge to gaze down the valley. This little bench was very cool, a wide flat area of pumice and larch. It would be beautiful in the fall I'm sure. The lower lake was even more impressive. It had a brighter blue shade than its upper neighbor and even a little island. The contrast was similar to the upper and lower Enchantment lakes. If it didn't involve the scramble and elevation loss I'd prefer to camp at the lower lake. Circling around the lake we ascended back to the upper lake. In the rocks here a very curious marmot walked right up and stared at us, posing for photos, before we continued out of his territory. Maude was now out of the clouds so we headed back to camp to pick up more food and water. The scramble was surprisingly a little more difficult to ascend than descent but we made it back up. From the lakes we headed due west, towards the snow-filled bench below the ridge at the end of Maude's shoulder. A low angled gully of snow and rock carried us higher before reaching a nice little boot path the rest of the way. Some very loose scree but nothing difficult. On the shoulder itself we ran into the other hikers again, saying hello as we passed by. The summit never seemed to get closer but without too much effort we were on top. Surprisingly the summit had the warmest temperatures so far! It was quite calm and nice. We stayed for about 45 minutes, signing the register and watching the billowing clouds around Jack and Fernow, before heading down. I'd hoped for better weather the second night but was again disappointed. If anything it was much colder than before. Still, we refused to be beaten by the cold and stayed out as long as possible, resorting to wrapping ourselves in the sleeping bags like blankets. This helped immensely but even so we were again beaten and retreated to the tents not long after sunset. For consolation at least we had some great color. The wind howled even worse than before, this time continuous blasts instead of occasional gusts, and I had even less sleep. Monday morning came with blue, beautiful, clear skies. I could have stayed in my bag much longer but forced myself out. After a quick breakfast and filtering some water we were on our way. We climbed up to the saddle overlooking the lakes, waved good bye, and turned to finally see Glacier Peak and all the other stuff hidden by the clouds the past two days. What a welcome view! Of course immediately we lost the route. We'd spotted a path that appeared to lead over Pt8017 but believed it was simply a summit track, leading to a cliffed out area. Instead we followed a cairn and faint path downwards, below the rock cliffs, to traverse across the slope to the notch on the next ridge. Crossing this sucked almost as much as the earlier gully. In many places it was hard packed steep dirt with occasional scree. Many places to slip and go for a ride on the natural cheese-grater surface. It took over an hour to pick our way across. There must have been a better way. Off and on we continued our battle to stay on the trail. Occasionally we'd spot a cairn, or possibly a faint boot path, only to be disappointed. We could see where we needed to go the whole time but had a hard time picking the best route. At one point in Chipmunk creek basin we ascended too high, only to be cliffed out and have to drop back down low in the basin. We could see trail on the next shoulder, brightening our spirits. Finally past Box Creek we picked up real trail and kept it. Carne mountain was now in sight! We looped around through the last basin and began the final ascent to the ridge. Passing the Rock creek trail junction our tired legs pushed up the last bit of elevation to the ridge. We were both pretty beat and low on water now. Dropping packs here we took a quick trip up Carne to look back on our traverse. Views were fantastic! Blue and very clear skies gave up mountains in all directions. Spider meadows lay far below, surrounded by snowy cliffs. We could also see water down below in Carne basin! We picked up our packs and began the numbing descent of all those long, low switchbacks back to the car. Pausing only in the basin to collect some more water, we continued on, ticking off the miles. At one point we figured each long switchback only shaved off 50-100 ft! What we wouldn't have given for a nice, quick, steeper descent. At last we spotted the main trail below and knew the cars were close! It felt great to finally sit down in a comfortable seat. Even better was the real food back in Monroe, after three days of trailfood. What a great trip! In the end we didn't summit Seven Fingered Jack but we did finish the route, Carne mountain, and Maude, as well as have a leisurely exploration of the lakes themselves. 3 days, 20 miles, and 8900 ft total gain. Beautiful place, and it certainly lived up to its name this weekend! It was fricken freezing up there! Full trip photos at: http://www.pbase.com/billcat/icelakes

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