My second time hitting this gem near Darrington! On a perfect summer Sunday, we didn't see any other hikers until we were back at the trailhead.
The road is in pretty good shape. We drove a 4x4 pickup and followed a ford focus most of the way, including through the 3 or so old washouts. Do-able but much safer with some ground clearance and beefier tires. Some of the rocks are very sharp.
Trail is same as a few years ago. Rough, steep, with lots of rooty steps. There is one blowdown that's a bit annoying. You have to climb under it, taking off your pack most likely.
Lots of frogs / toads in the remaining ponds. Berries are sort of ripe....they look ripe but a bit tart still. Great resting spots at the pass; in particular a Flintstones-style chair with a back. But I really urge you to keep going up to Squire Ridge. Aim for the low spot in the ridge and head up; lots of bootpaths so you're not trampling the heather. The last bit is all on huge granite boulders with excellent traction. From the ridge the views of 3 Fingers and Whitehorse are great, as is the view down into the remote valleys near the Copper Creek drainage. It has a perfect little cirque.
Comments