Sulphur Mountain — Friday, Apr. 12, 2002

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

Went and checked out Sulphur Mtn trail. About 21 miles in, the Suiattle River Road has some snow patches - no trouble for the Blue Blunder Bus (my Honda CRV). Then we encountered an RV camped in the road. RV'er Tim travels with a chainsaw, and was clearing the road - thanks Tim! The road now goes to Sulphur Creek Camp. Beyond that the road has some more snow patches, but more importantly there are significant blow-downs that will require a crew. No problem - Sulphur Creek Camp is only a quarter mile or so from the end of the road anyway. On the trail, my pal and I found snow patches in the forest clearings, but mostly snow-free trail up to 3000'. Lots of blow-down requiring step-overs and end-runs. Lost the trail in the snow at 3300'. Hiked on up to Point 5121 on snowshoes. We were never lost, however you might say we had 'navigational tribulations'. One clearing gave a view up Sulphur Creek to Downey Mtn, but mostly we were in forest. It was rainy anyway so we weren't in it for the views. -Dox