Mount Gardner — Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025

ALW Hiker's report on Hansen Ridge got me thinking of trying for Mount Gardner, but as I was doing more research I found a track on peakbagger (https://peakbagger.com/climber/ascent.aspx?aid=2920994) that cut the distance from 12 miles to closer to 9. Not sure if it really saved me time, due to increased elevation gain, off trail bushwhacking, and a scramble up and down a mossy talus field.. but it did work. Most of the road walking was pretty easy, other than a couple really overgrown brushy sections (I think it was slightly easier than normal since the leaves had all fallen in this section.) There was never more than 3-4 inches of snow on the road, usually less. The last push the summit wasn't bad, there was a faint trail most of the way past the end of the road. Going up the talus field between Iron Horse and road 9020 was slow.. thankfully not very slippery. The bushwhack from where I parked on Tinkham Road up to Iron Horse wasn't awful but you have to cross through a loggy clear cut area. All in all, I don't think this route will cause trouble for peakbaggers experienced in off trail travel, but following logging roads from Hansen Ridge is probably way easier, if a little longer. I was shocked to come across two hikers who had come from McClellan Butte trailhead.. I guess I'm not the only sucker for punishment 🤪