Decided to come over to the east side of the range to avoid the rainy west side and to hopefully catch a few good views. Bootjack ended up being a good choice. Driving up the Icicle Road from Leavenworth, the skies gradually turned from blue to overcast, but nothing to be concerned about.
I'm surprised this trail doesn't draw more hikers. Considering the lack of traffic and wondering if this receives any attention from the Forest Service, the trail is in great condition with excellent tread. Just a little brushy in a few spots, but hardly worth mentioning.
I hit the trail at 9:45 under mostly cloudy skies. It starts gently, but within about a half mile, the climbing starts in earnest and remains steep until the ridge is attained at about 5,900 feet, with the exception of a brief flat spot at about 4,300 feet. There were a dozen or so downed logs across the trail for the next 400 vertical feet or so after the flat area, but they were easily hopped over or around. There are also a few logs to hop over/around along the ridge, but again no big deal. The climb through forest is delightful (but a good workout) and the views suddenly open up at the ridge top. Skies remained mostly cloudy with occasional spots of clearing, where Icicle Ridge across the valley provided a great view.
After walking the ridge for about a half mile, the trail rounds a shoulder where the summit of Bootjack can be seen about 3/4 mile away. There was a trail that descended from the shoulder, but I'm not sure where that leads. Instead, follow the somewhat faint path at the shoulder that goes right and up. The path along the ridge toward the summit is generally very easy to follow; if you lose it, just keep following the ridge -- you won't get lost.
The last 50 feet or so required a little bit of scrambling up the summit block, but posed no problems. I made the summit in a total of 2.5 hours. The views from the summit varied quickly and the clouds and occasional light showers alternately blocked and revealed new views. I found the views that were available were beautiful and very satisfying, although Mt. Stuart and the Enchantment Peaks were obscured by clouds and showers. I imagine they're spectacular on a clear day. I spent almost an hour on the summit and hiked down mostly in fog/clouds and a few light showers. I took no breaks on the hike down and arrived back at the trailhead in an hour and 45 minutes.
It was a great day overall and very enjoyable in this beautiful area!
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