What a beautiful weekend! Not sure if we were going to get another chance to hike with clear skies and no snow, so we headed out to check if there were any larches left to see. We didn't get to the trailhead too early, probably around noon, or so. We decided to park below where the water was crossing the road. The water wasn't deep, but the road was slightly narrow so we just opted not to do it. After you go through it, there is sort of a lot straight ahead, or you can keep right and continue up to the trailhead. There were cars parked up at the trailhead as well, probably about 10 cars total counting the ones below as well.
I was really happy that I packed layers as well as some gloves and a hat. It was chilly in the shady areas and pretty windy in the more open areas. There was even some ice and frost here and there. We saw some larches dotting the valley as we hiked up the first part of the trail to the Teanaway Ridge intersection. Here the Iron Bear Trail literally makes an "x" with the Teanaway Ridge Trail. We continued right, up the trail to the ridge. This is where the views of Rainier and the wind picked up. Beautiful views of Rainier in the distance! We ran into several dirt bikers, but they were easy to hear and they were very careful and polite. Once we got up to the Mt. Stuart range viewpoint, the wind was going pretty strong! There are lots of places to sit, have a snack or lunch, and enjoy the view. We chose a spot that blocked some of the wind. It was 36 degrees at the car when we started, but way colder with the wind up top! Again, glad for my gloves and hat! The trail continued past the viewpoint but we enjoyed the view quickly and then started back down. There was a gal coming up the trail that said she had done a loop and we meant to look on a map when we got home to check that out. Maybe something to consider for next year.
All in all, a great hike on what was very likely the last totally clear Fall day we will have!
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