From Ira Spring TH via Connector trail to Dirty Harry’s Peak trail. The Connector trail is ~1.75 miles but slow going due to lots of roots and rocks, plus multiple descents/ascents across various creeks and streams. For our group, it was ~2 hours from Ira Spring TH to Dirty Harry’s Peak trail including a side trip to enjoy the view at Little Balcony. At Little Balcony, today's brilliantly clear weather gifted us with a view of the snow topped Olympics over the top of Rattlesnake Mountain and the fog blanket over North Bend. Along the Connector trail, the forest has interesting rock formations, varied terrain and, today, varieties of mushrooms. After junction with the Balcony trail, the road-to-trail conversion becomes steeper, rockier and, underfoot, the tread surface still feels like a road in many places. Occasionally the forest opens up for views for McClellan Butte and the Kent peaks. The grade is a constant 1000’ per mile until reaching the peak. Moderate flow at Museum Creek did not present a challenge to cross. At ~4300’ elevation, we donned our microspikes due to the frozen/icy layer of snow. Although Dirty Harry’s Peak is indicated to be on private property, we looked for but did not see signs indicating the boundary. Thompson Point and Revolution Peak are directly across from Dirty Harry’s Peak and Lower Granite Lake directly below. Mt Baker to the far left and, seen as just a snow-white sliver peaking along the right side of nearer peak, Glacier Peak. We had lunch at the Dirty Harry’s Peak (elevation 4679’); then, a quick return to the TH within 2.5 hours. Total trip 8.5 mi, ~2700’ gain, total moving time 5 hr.
In the morning, the vault toilet and trash bins were accessible. Upon our return at 2:30pm, both of these were locked, with signs “Closed for the Winter”. So pack it out (including the doggy sh*t bags we saw on the Mason Lake trail 💩 ☹️)
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