Park Butte — Thursday, Feb. 24, 2005

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area

A paucity of snow and an abundance of sunshine was enough to draw this trail rat out of hibernation. Unfortunately, a Snow Park pass is still required on access road #13. I was able to drive to within .75 mile of the trailhead where a sign prohibited wheeled vehicles beyond it. Had it not been for the prohibition, those with 4wd could have parked at the TH. This distance adds about 300’ vertical gain. The unique conditions were responsible for my willingness to venture into what is normally razzer country; not a motorized sled was smelled or heard. Snowshoes were only necessary after attaining the upper meadow at about 4400’ where snow depths were at least 36”. Surface was variable soft with wind crust in places. My faithful hound fared well most of the time avoiding drifted areas. We had two lovely nights with clear skies and calm air, lows down to 24 degrees. Moonlight played long and bright on the miles of snow-covered rock all around. I saw at least 4 climbers ascending Heliotrope route on Saturday, and a pair on the Easton route Friday. I was disappointed to find my stock of color film limited to 23 frames. I had to be judicious about picture making, very hard with so much luscious light. I saw a couple of butterflies in Schrieber’s Meadow departing Sunday. “Winter”, with its long nights and summits white, makes being in the mountains spectacular. All the fresh air one can breathe, and it’s essence rendered to water by the sun into one of my most basic needs. Go out and taste the freshness for yourselves. As Ed Abbey says: “Go there. Be there. Walk gently and quietly deep within it…”