We rolled up Tunnel Creek from the sane side. Great cloud and haze-free views from 5050 Pass and even better ones from Valhalla Peak (aka Don's Knob), the prominence a bit east of the pass. Some phlox are already blooming on We saw fearless deer, the backside of a bounding bobcat and a clueless grouse.
Continuous snow on the trail starts about 1/2 mile below the shelter and extend about 1/2 mile beyond the shelter. The snow is shallow enough along much of this stretch to likely be gone in a week or two. There is a bonus snow free zone on the ascent which gets up ones hopes. Then the return to wintry reality and more snow travel. On the flats below Harrison Lake, ya gotta have snowshoes. Stay mindful of the 6 to 8 foot deep steep sided drops to running water in here. There are some stunning cornices along the ridgeline.
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