Mount Rose — Wednesday, May. 12, 2004

Olympic Peninsula > Hood Canal

Needing to get some early season mles and elevation gain in, I watched for a favorable (cloudy but no rain) weather forecast, combined with an opportunity for a day away from the grind. I got a leisurely start from Olympia, arriving at the trailhead at 10am. Two other cars in lot. Planned to do a clockwise loop trip over the top. The lower part of the trail to the junction is in excellent shape, with no blowdowns or obstacles. A distance above the junction, I encountered considerable snow (in the high basin), but clear above. Trail was straightforward but one must pay close attention as the continually uphill trail is faint in places. After lunching on top, I descended down the ridgeline to the NE and found patchy snow that continued somewhat down into the basin. Less snow on this side than on the way up the other side. I found only a few step-over blow-downs on the upper parts of the trail, and water accessible at numerous places. NO bugs yet! Great workout. PS - I appear to have left my little 2M Olympus digicam along the upper ridge... If anyone comes across it, please let me know.