Two years ago I hiked the Howson Creek trail in the Salmon La Sac area but managed to take a wrong turn onto a side trail which later disappeared and the hike turned into a scramble. Last Monday I went back and managed to stay on the correct trail. This trail climbs to the ridge that is east of Cle Elum Lake and joins the ridge trail just south of Sasse Mtn. The only downer for the day was my discovery that the Roslyn bakery is closed on Mondays.
The forest service appears to have abandoned this trail. The same trees are down on the trail as on my prior trip and more have been added. However they impose no serious impediment for hikers. In a few places the brush is closing in over the trail and I was sure glad the leaves were dry. In other places the tread is a bit faint. Most observant hikers should be able to stay on the correct trail.
This trail is steeper than many and except for an early (and easy) crossing of Howson Creek, there is no dependable water. Part of the hike runs along the edge of an older clearcut but then after crossing a gully you are in pleasant virgin forest. Also, I would not call this a flower hike. It’s more for the curious looking for a trail they have not been on yet or those seeking a trail less traveled. No doubt part of the reason this trail receives little use is the fact that it is not shown on the 7.5"" USGS quad (Cle Elum Lake).
A snip from this quad and my GPS track is posted at
http://www.nwhikers.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=7960375
The TH is just past the entrance to the Cle Elum River campground at about 2,250'. Lots of parking on the left side of the road and a trail pass is not required.
Tip: At 4,400' you are trudging along with up on your left and down on your right and you are faced with a choice. One trail continues in the direction you are going. Another trail that appears equally promising does a switchback to the left. Stay the course, do not take the trail to the left. Yes, you will soon find brush growing over the trail. Have faith and press onward. After 100 yards or so you are past the brushy bit and the tread improves. Two years ago I explored a short way into the brushy section and then went back and took the fork to the left - Wrong! I suspect the trail to the left is part of the older trail mentioned in the Hidden Hikes In Western Washington guidebook.
I followed the trail to a saddle at about 5,350 directly west of the summit of Sasse. BTW, from this saddle another old trail descends to the north although it is currently snowed in. That trail connects to Little Salmon La Sac trail #1325 which starts high on road #2203.
From this saddle the Howson Creek trail continues and connects to the ridge trail a bit to the south of the summit of Sasse where you will find an ancient green and white trail sign. However, instead of going to that summit which is wooded, I scrambled to the west up Not-So-Sasse (just under 5,600') to enjoy the fine views. The trail was snow free as far as I went but there appeared to be snow patches above the saddle toward the ridge crest.
The biggest surprise of the day was to encounter another hiker coming up as I was heading down. He also had tried the trail before but lost it on snow.
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