Box Canyon and Nickel Creek, Indian Bar - Cowlitz Divide — Wednesday, Jul. 3, 2024

Goal was to get to 5930’ on Cowlitz Divide via Box Canyon this morning. Didn’t quite make it. Got to 5,800’ before my quads were burning from all of the snow travel. Watched the sunrise and called it a day.

It was mostly easy travel in microspikes as the snow was icy this morning. There are sections of snow that are steep and deep! I had to be careful not to slip on the steep sections.

I can see with the warm-up coming this weekend that Cowlitz Divide could become a slush fest midday as the temps rise.

HIghly recommend navigation. Even though I do this trail a few times each year, I missed a turn to a major switchback. Had to pull out the navigation.

Nickel Creek Crossing: As the MORA trail condition site states, the old bridge has moved further downstream since last season. Recommendation would be to start on the old bridge. Then take the large deadfall to the creek bed. See pic.

I took the old bridge all the way across in the dark this morning. That put me too high on the bank. I had to climb down the bank, fighting through vine maples to get to the creek bed and over to the trail.

I forded the creek on my way back and skipped the bridge mess. I went knee deep once. Otherwise I was able to stay mostly just above my ankles rock hopping. I was surprised how warm the creek felt!

Nickel Creek to Cowlitz Divide trail junction: A few minor deadfall. Most are easy to climb over. One is a climb under. Might be a challenge with a large pack on.

Cowlitz Divide trail junction to 5930’: Snow starts about ½ mile from the junction at 5,000 ft. Patchy at first. Then sections of the trail completely covered. Then portions where the trail is present. The last two miles are pretty much snow covered. The toughest part is what I call the snow bumps. This is where the trail goes between trees. Hence, snow creates these large berms between tree wells. Up and over snow again and again. Definite quad burner.