Being a beautiful NW classic, and can be seen from Seattle, my son kept putting this hike in my head for about the last year or so. I did it about 15 years ago when you could drive to the TH, so the thought of adding miles to an already solid hike, at first, was easily dismissed. Through his persistence, he worn me down. Ok son, ok...we'll go.
First parking is roughly here = 48°08'49.6"N 121°48'28.0"W ... We were able to squeak by in a full sized truck and continue down to the south fork of Canyon creek. Our plan was to bike to the original TH which, for both of us not having a solid biking background, turned into a push-fest. It's roughly 8.5 miles and +1,680 of additional gain. We just kept thinking about the return and how fun it would be.
The trail takes you up through old growth with some monster trees, huckleberry were ripe and very plentiful. Broke out of the forest and watered up in a nice running creek. Up through Goat Flats and on to Tin Can Gap. 3 small snow patches below the gap. Nothing special needed to pass.
At the Tin Can Gap we stuck close to the rocks in a moat that eventually tapered out. We climbed onto the snow and traverses roughly 50 yards across. Although the run-out was steep here, we didn't have to use crampons. The snow was soft enough to effectively kick-step where other had walked, but did use our axes going across just in case. Didn't use the axes coming back down through here, though.
On across the ridge traverse and up the final push to the last snow field below the look out. We pushed up through the soft, slushy snow and acceded the ladders to an empty lookout. Nobody was home! What a treat! We popped open some windows, ate some food, and (I) tried to nap for about 20 minutes. As we were gearing up to leave a party of 5 was arriving. We talked for about 15 minutes before we moved on and left them to enjoy.
Other than being on a beautiful hike, nothing eventful happen on our decent. Back to our bikes in about 4.5 hours and true to our hopes, shot back to the car on a very fun decent.
With all the snow melt, plenty of viable water options throughout the whole route. I suspect that might change as things dry up.
Caltopo says 31+ miles and 6,700 in E-gain. Got it done in about 15:30.
It was a blast and we were (still are) whipped. Glad we did it.
Comments
Lionking88 on Three Fingers
Thank you so much for this report. So helpful! I see that in the picture, you're wearing shorts and a short sleeve shirt. What were the temperatures like as you climbed up? Planning to hike it next week.
Posted by:
Lionking88 on Aug 13, 2024 07:09 PM
Renegade Beef on Three Fingers
It was probably high 60s on top…
Nice and cool back in the trees but out in the open it was a little too warm for me…
I didn’t put on any additional layers while we were hanging out on top and I was fine… My son layered up though… I think at least half the people in the group behind us were all wearing shorts as well….
Have fun!!!
Posted by:
Renegade Beef on Aug 14, 2024 02:47 PM
Sandman on Three Fingers
A Three Fingers Lookout work crew will be working on building maintenance Saturday afternoon, September 14th through Monday morning, September 16th, 2024. The lookout will be closed for overnight stays inside on those nights except for the maintenance team for safety reasons.
Always bring an alternate shelter plan (tent/bivy) along for your visits to the lookout as it is often overcrowded, even when there are no crews working on the lookout.
Anyone interested in supporting these crews can email friendsofthreefingers@gmail.com to get more information. There is a current need for more shutter rods to be carried up.
Thank you.
Friends of Three Fingers Lookout
Posted by:
Sandman on Sep 02, 2024 08:47 AM