Scotchman Peak — Wednesday, May. 28, 2025

Mosquito creek was flowing enough for me to park by portable toilets rather than trailhead parking lot. A few blowdowns but I understand as of today a crew did log out since my hike. The trail was in great shape otherwise below the snow. After passing through the switchbacks in open meadow, the trail was snow covered in the upper forested section a little before 3.0 miles. After that the only exposed trail was in the skree. I followed fresh goat tracks and checked the map a couple times to keep close to the trail. It was a hot day so the snow was soft and post holing was a concern, with even the goats popping through. Fortunately I could see their post holes and knew to tread lightly. Near the top there multiple small cornices along the cliff edge so I was sure to keep far away from the ridge line. No snow on the summit outcropping and a beautiful view. The goats were hanging around but none were aggressive. Coming down, poles were necessary in the snow but following my tracks, the softness made for an easy plunge step. On a colder day, I would have worn spikes on the way up and glissaded down.