Nannie Ridge-Sheep Lake — Sunday, Jul. 8, 2012

South Cascades > Goat Rocks

Set out from Yakima today for my first trip to Walupt lake and the Nannie Ridge trail. On the drive up there were still patches of snow so I figured I would encounter snow on the trail - which I did. Today was a very warm day so the lower switch backs had me sweating and Bailey laying in the creeks. I would estimate encountering snow on the trail at about 5200 ft but didn't have a gps to verify that. The depth of snow steadily increased to between 3 - 4 ft with craters around the tree wells. I forgot my trekking poles so I struggled to get to around 5800 ft where I was just too exhausted to continue the scramble up Nannie Peak. I did encounter two groups that said they made it to the top so it's definately doable but bring your poles and micro spikes would be really helpful too until the snow melts down. I didn't make it to the peak but did get some views althoug partially obscured by the heave tree cover. I was a bit dissapointed I couldn't make it all the way but the sneak peak I got has me already planning a return trip and hopes of reaching sheep lake. BTW - there were a few mosquitos but nothing bad. Just bring a little repellant.