I completed my 3rd trip up Mount Daniel, again going up the Hyas Glacier route and down the east ridge boot path. This time I went to the actual highest point and signed the register. Totally worth the tiny extra umph.

The glacier(s) are extremely treacherous right now with huge crevasses and we didn't bring ropes, only crampons, so my partner and I ended up going up the Hyas Glacier route but completely avoiding the glacier and scrambling up to the left of it. I loved it, she didn't so much. I am a glutton for punishment, I  guess. I tend to take the most difficult route at everything I do in life so to me it was the perfect challenge. Accepted and conquered. 

I'll briefly go over the basic things for the rest of the hike. The road in is pretty good. I have seen Fish Lake Road in much worse shape. Scatter Creek is dry right now so even low clearance vehicles can make it to the trailhead, I am sure. The trail is in great shape, very dry. Flowers are basically gone at the elevations below 6500 ft. There were a few berries but I didn't see too many. Bugs weren't bad except a few that flew into my mouth while I was hiking. They weren't biting or bothersome otherwise though. No bug spray was used. 

It was an epic day and my almost 45-year-old arthritic knees are feeling it today. That's the ONLY negative I have about this trip. Busted knees. 

Be safe out there folks! 

The last 12 miles of road leading up to the trailhead are gravel. Extremely bad wash boarded in a few places complete with potholes and an creek crossing. I couldn't tell how deep the crossing was but it seemed like a couple of feet deep to me. I was in my truck so it was no problem for me but anyone in a low clearance vehicle might not do as well.

I started this hike with the intention of just going to Peggy's pond but I made such great time hitting up all the of side treks on the way up it seemed wrong not to continue on and go all the way to the top.

The beginning of the Cathedral pass trail is in great shape beyond being a bit muddy and slick in places. Once you get up to the pass the trail is pretty well dry. 

The Spinola Meadows are beautiful and full of wildflowers, it was a great spot to stop and enjoy for little while before continuing on. 

All of the trail junctions are very well marked so navigating to Peggy's pond was a breeze.  Once you get to the turn off for Peggy's pond from the PCT the trail gets a little sketchy. Definitely passable but with some caution, there are a few steep sections with dry loose rock and a few areas where the trail really narrows and you're kinda hugging the mountain side. Fortunately that's a fairly short section and then the trail levels out again. 

Didn't really notice the bugs until a little before getting to Peggy's pond. Once there I felt like I was swarmed even though I had covered myself with repellent. There weren't many people at the pond, only came across 4 other hikers on the way there and maybe a dozen all day. There were plenty of spots to camp by the pond.

While resting and letting my pup have a drink a few friendly hikers stopped by who's just come from Mount Daniel and convinced me to go a little further for the spectacular views. I was sold and continued on.

Unfortunately there are a ton of trails crisscrossing on the way up to the talus field so navigating was a little tough. From there again through the talus fields it was about the same, the trail kept disappearing. There were some cairns but they were far and few between. As I would discover on the way down that was because I was a little off the established trail.

The rest of the trail which runs along a ridge was a little precarious and involved multiple scrambles. The views leading up were spectacular! However the summit was socked in and there wasn't much to see. No regrets though it was amazing trek and I couldn't believe how well my pup did, I swear he must have some mountain goat in him. 

Side note, there are snow fields on the way up to Mount Daniel but they're completely avoidable as the trail that runs the ridge is snow free.  It did look like there had been foot traffic across the one of the fields which you could take and avoid some of the precarious scrambles along the ridgeline.

We got to the Tucquala Meadows TH at 7:08a. The drive out the 10 mile road took an hour. Some years they grate the road not in 2019. The Scatter Creek water crossing was doable in my Outback. The TH parking lot was already pretty full. The 3 pit toilets have not been in use since last year. It seems that they can’t get a septic truck pass the boulder creek bridge. Weather was perfect and no rain. We hiked up to Squaw Lake and found that there is a toilet just before the lake. We headed up to Cathedral Rock and found that they have placed the sign for the turn where you can see it. We headed down to 3 miles to the water crossing and found if you follow the cairns that the water was only mid calf deep. After Deception Pass heading down to Hyas Lake we ran into at least 40 backpackers heading to Tuck and Robyn Lakes. I have never seen that many people on that trail! Another beautiful day in the PNW! It’s a great 15 mile loop!

Did the Cathedral Rock Deception Pass Loop over the holiday. Road is passable for all cars, just drive with care. There is a water crossing on the way to the trailhead, but saw plenty of Prius and similar in the lot so no worries. Just floor it ;)

Had the trail to ourselves up to Cathedral Rock — no other hikers or campers. Camped very alone in the meadow below cathedral. Glorious.

Next day saw maybe 3 PCT sobo’s between the rock and Deception pass. The dangerous ford marked on the trail is headwaters of the Cle Elum River I think. It’s a wet crossing at the moment. You’ll be up to your knees or thighs. No way around that unless you can jump like MJ.

The rest of the PCT from that crossing to decep pass is kind of a slog from all the blowdowns. We lost count at 20. All passable, just slow goin. Some sections are overgrown.

We stopped for the day at the site near the tuck/robin intersection. By that time, the trail was starting to look like rattlesnake with the traffic. We were told probably 50 people at tuck and 30 at robin from folks coming down, so we opted for the zero people at the bottom :)

Quick hike out the following day, saw a pair with their skis heading up above jade for some turns. Crazy awesome!

Great trip - did it like 9 years ago and it doesn’t disappoint.

Forest Road 4330 is very rough, particularly the first 4-5 miles. One relatively deep water crossing requires high clearance&4-wheel vehicles. Lupins, paintbrush and columbine flowers all along the 12.3-mile ride made it somewhat bearable. The trail up is steep but also allows stretches of level hiking, although some with mud&stream diversions. Lush meadows were occupied by many campers and picnickers. Although around 5500 ft level thunder and slight drizzle became a concern causing us to return quarter mile short of the actual pass. Overall, it's a good conditioning day hike but the views are only beyond 5500 ft. level.