Dirty Harry's Peak — Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025

My first time on this journey.  Went with 2 climbing buddies.  Started about 8:20 with a few cars in the lot which was compact snow.  Road is not an issue.  Nice clean bathroom.  We packed snowshoes, microspikes, wore high gaiters, and used poles.  Started just booting up the trail and decided to put microspikes on in the first 0.5 mile or so.  Trail was compact snow but a little slick.  We continued with microspikes as the fresh powder continued to deepen.  Trail was pretty wide and packed down until the balcony trail intersection.  Only a couple of boot steps were leading towards the peak.  I’d say the powder started to become a bit of an obstacle (slower pace) at around 2500 ft.  We took turns breaking trail even tho there was a set of steps already present.  We realized 2 people were ahead of us which is always helpful.  3 hikers had turned back.  The stream crossing was doable while stone stepping but moistened microspikes started to ball up with snow.  We still opted not to use snowshoes on this narrow trail because our boot tracks with microspikes were efficient with no postholing (snowshoes can be so cumbersome at times, especially on the climb).  We continued on in the fresh powdery snow which seemed to be close to 2 1/2 ft high (on top of compact snow) as we ascended the final ridge trail.  When we got to the summit we approached it cautiously as there is a big cornice especially off to the right.  We individually took in the views then attempted to sit on our packs below the summit for some lunch and much needed tea.  There was no wind and the sun was mostly out (fog lifted along the way).  We then decided to just boot down without microspikes going at a quick pace without postholing or sliding.  It was essential to pay attention to foot placement to avoid a fall or ankle injury.   We put the microspikes back on in the last mile or so because it was getting slick.  The temp seemed cooler on the way down then we anticipated.  No snow bombs falling from the trees which was nice.  It seemed to be below freezing for almost the entire hike. Glad to have layers and ski mitts.  Saw more hikers coming and going from the Balcony but maybe 10 had attempted the peak (3 turned back).  Great outing with friends and a nice long workout in the snow.  Snow creates a beautiful world in the forest and surrounding peaks.  We had several interesting glimpses of McClellan’s Butte on the way down.