Deep Creek, Noble Knob & Corral Pass Snowshoe — Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023

I set out to camp at the Corral Pass CG via the Corral Pass Road and day hike to Noble Knob and back. That plan changed!

On Wednesday, Dec 13, when I stopped by the USFS Ranger Station in Enumclaw, Ranger Julie was very helpful and informed me the CG was closed for the foreseeable future because it was in a burn area. So, I decided to take the Deep Creek trail instead and camp on a bench just below the intersection with the Noble Knob trail. (That plan changed, too :))

My next hurdle was finding parking to access the Deep Creek TH. I didn't want to park on Corral Pass Road because Ranger Julie said they were going to close the road on Friday, and I wasn't sure where the closure point would be. The Deep Creek TH itself was surrounded by what looked like private backwoods homes and I didn't see a place to park. Likewise, the Loge Resort did not have public parking but the good folks there allowed me to park in an empty spot next to their snowplows (thank you!) But...USFS--why is there no winter parking for this great trail network??

I set out just before noon on the Deep Creek trail, with snowshoes strapped to my pack. About a mile up I ran into a friendly couple who was familiar with the trail and were trying to day hike to Noble Knob. They were able to guide me through one of the bigger blowdowns, and later, after the snow had gotten really deep, I was able to just step in their footsteps and didn't need to put on my snowshoes. (Thank you too!)

Blowdowns...there are a fair amount on this trail, but nothing too egregious, and not so many that they ruin the hike. Although it's forested, much of it is in a burn area so plenty of sunlight was able to filter through and provide beautiful sidelighting for my hike. I also got peekaboo views of Tahoma to the south and the Corral Pass Road across the valley. Since this was my original planned route, I could see what a slog that would have been and was grateful for the CG closure that prompted my change of plans.

Sustained snow started at about 4200', about halfway to the intersection with the Noble Knob trail.

By the time I got to the bench where I planned to camp, sunset was approaching. There is a large granite slab that is currently snow-covered and would provide a perfect camping spot if it weren't for all the snags. However on this night, a strong wind was forecast from the south, and I was able to set up my tent well upwind from all the snags, so I felt OK. Otherwise, I'm not sure this would be an appropriate camp spot unless the USFS is able to fell some of the snags--which would be wonderful, because it's ideal otherwise.

I set up camp with plans to day hike to Noble Knob the next day. Unfortunately, I was beset with two equipment failures. My stove gave up the ghost after I boiled my first batch of snow for water. So, I was able to have a meal of tepid ramen and tea, with a half liter of water remaining. Then, during the night, my air mattress blew out. At this point I made the decision to hike out the next morning with my remaining half liter of water.

I arrived back at the trailhead in good spirits, because it was a beautiful hike with great weather. But having skipped breakfast (could not reheat my dehydrated oatmeal) and rationed my water I was pretty hungry and thirsty!

Now I have two things to add to my Christmas wish list--a new camp stove and air mattress--and one hike to add to my "unfinished business" list--Noble Knob.

Happy Hiking!