Paperboy Peak (Pt 5013), Boomerang Peak (Pt 5185) — Friday, Nov. 22, 2002

These two obscure peaks are included in the Homecourt list of the 100 tallest peaks within the boundaries of US 2, I-90, and CleElum/Deception Pass. Their inclusion on the list would have to be the principal focus of someone wanting to ascend them as they are not on the way to anything else. The playful name of Paperboy is the unofficial name proposed by Jeff Howbert as the peak is approached via Blethan Lake (F.A. Blethan is the CEO for the Seattle Times). Boomerang overlooks Boomerang Lake. Take the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie Road. Just past the Taylor Bridge continue on the Taylor Road until it ends at a barricade after 1/2 mile. Go up the Taylor Road (now called a trail although absolutely zero has been done by the Forest Service)and turn left after 1/3 mile onto the Quartz Creek Road (also called a trail). Walk up the road until it ends after 4 miles. Then a fisherman's trail continues to Blethan Lake about 1/3 mile farther at ~3200 feet elevation. At the lake go directly north through a wetland area filled with salmonberry canes.I was surprised to see at this elevation a tree stump which had beaver teeth marks from many years ago. You will then continue due north up talus slope, slide alder, mountain azalea, and finally reach a ridge at 4600'which goes to the summit. The north side of the ridge is much easier to hike on than the south. With the shortened days we spent all of 2 minutes on the top before heading toward Boomerang (Pt. 5185). This peak is reached by travelling NW across a ridge connecting the two peaks. Along the way one will see a witness tree upon which an aluminum property marker was placed 40 years ago posting the owner and location of the property margin. Witness trees have historical as well as utilatarian interest. Boomerang took about 1 hour to climb from Paperboy. One is unsure of when the summit is actually reached as the peak is well rounded. There was no cairn at the top which is a little unusual for a peak. We retraced our route toward Paperboy but varied our descent from there a little. We angled to the SE rather than returning to Blethan Lake so as to save perhaps 20 minutes of hiking time. The hike took just under 9 hours to go from car-to-car. The day was foggy and views were scarce even to the adjacent peaks. Not a single photo was taken. It should be noted that the most dangerous task of the entire day was on the ""trail"" which the forest service has numbered 1263. There is a collapsed bridge that spans a deep ravine. Only one cedar log remains in place. Do not even think about taking children to Blethan Lake as this crossing is incredibly dangerous.