Mount Rose — Tuesday, Mar. 18, 2003

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal

The Mt. Rose trail was nearly empty today due to heavy precipitation. The lower 3/4 of the mountain had heavy rain, the upper 1/4 had heavy snowfall. The trailhead and trail are in good shape, but it is very easy to lose your way on the snow covered trail. Mt. Rose is a trail of constant switchbacks in the trees. I have climbed it twice this winter and not made it to the top because of lack of knowledge of where the trail is over snow. There are no tree markings of any kind, and few if any landmarks. Also, it seems like people's tracks are in different locations in the snow each time I go up there. Next time someone goes up the mountain in the snow, I advise ignoring footprints and navigating the top 1/4 of the mountain on you own. Oh... by the way. The wild yellow violets are just starting to bloom on the lower part of the slopes. The waterwall was very nice today due to the heavy rainfall. Snow accumulations near the top are 4 feet or deeper. Bring your ice ax!