This is the perfect time to scramble Vesper Peak. You have the choice to avoid snow and ascend on rocks, or take the snow if you'd rather. Either way is fine. This group of students from the Everett Mountaineers scramble course had a great time playing around on the grippy granite slabs and looking for creative ways to try out rock skills. It was a very pleasant day with no bugs to speak of, moderate temperatures, and wonderful views. This is getting to be a rather crowded destination though, but all folks were friendly. The only real problem is a narrow, shaky "bridge" at the sometimes difficult crossing. It didn't seem very dependable to me and a fall would mean a broken ankle for sure. Previous reports that recommended crampons for the upper snow fields seemed like overkill to me. Maybe in the morning, and maybe if you're really wanting to take the snow route up, but certainly not necessary if you take the easy rock route.

There are the things you expect to see on the trail, and then there are the surprises nature throws your way. An impromptu stop below Headlee Pass led to the latter. While trying to cool down from the stifling humidity, I caught movement out of the corner of my eye - it looked like a chipmunk diving into the rocks. But then it stuck its head back out, and it was no chipmunk. It was as small as a chipmunk, but with a long body and short trail and big ears. I thought it was a juvenile marten, but when we got back to the internet, it turned out it was a stoat or - as it's known in winter - an ermine. Stoats are cold-blooded little killers (even of animals we really like, such as pikas), but they're also playfully curious. Fifteen minutes of cat and mouse ensued, as he looked for ways around us and I tried to snap his photo. Most of them were of him turning to dive back into the rocks, but I caught him once in plain sight. Otherwise, not much to report - trail is snow-free and in fine shape to the outlet from the lake. There's a little snow just before the lake, but no big deal. There is quite a bit of snow on the way to the summit of Vesper Peak, including a steep wall that's best done with crampons or avoided by detouring left over open rock below it. This was another hike in my attempt to rack up 40,000 vertical feet in 10 days in August for Hike-a-Thon to raise funds for WTA. If you're not a member or if you just want to provide additional support, check out my fundraising page here: http://www.gifttool.com/athon/MyFundraisingPage?ID=1468&AID=2791&PID=448714.

I suggest crampons if you plan on hiking all the way to the peak. Seventy five percent of trail is covered w/ ether rocks or boulders so wear some good hiking boots to protect your feet. Bugs were bearable but bring repellant anyways especially if the forecast calls for a warm day. Water is available in at least 4 points along the trail so no shortage of water for my pooch. Didn't get to see much of all the surrounding mountains because of the fog cover but scenery is still worth the hike.

I made my second attempt at getting atop beautiful Vesper Peak three weeks after failing to summit due to lack of time. My friend and I were determined to be successful this time and ventured out from the trailhead at a not-so-early time of 9:30am. We broke through into Wirtz basin in about 45 minutes and once again stood in awe of our beautiful surroundings. Shortly after entering the basin, we reached an accessible stream, flowing out from a snow cave which sat below a pleasant waterfall. This snow-cave actually retreated about 150-200 feet over 3 weeks from all of the nice weather!! After cooling off for a bit, we headed up to Headlee Pass, and climbed the pass to get our first view of Vesper Peak. One thing to mention is that this is easily one of the rockiest trails I've ever been on in 30 years of hiking. Loose, ankle-twisting rockiness. It is also downright gorgeous, from beginning to end. Worth every sore and painful muscle that may result from the unevenness of the trail. After crossing the moderately flowing stream coming down from Vesper Lake (or Lake Elan I guess??), we were hiking in exciting, new territory with every step!! I absolutely love that feeling!! We continued to follow the trail until finally running into snow approximately 500 feet from the summit. At this point, we ditched our hiking poles for our axes. We also joined up with a solo hiker and ascended the remaining distance together. While I do not believe that ice axes are absolutely mandatory for the final snowfield, I certainly recommend having them in your possession!! It is a moderately steep angle with boulders jutting out in random areas. The summit rewarded us with some of the best views I've ever seen...countless peaks, three beautiful lakes, and a heartbeat stopping gaze down the sheer, north-side face of Vesper. And one of the best parts of the whole trip...glissading back down to where the snow meets the dirt!!! If glissading, be careful of continuing exposed boulders and rock as you exhilaratingly slide down the snow, saving a good chunk of time in the process!! This trail beat me up, mostly due to the rocky terrain, but make no mistake, it was one of the most gorgeous and diverse hikes I've ever experienced.

Despite the lack of trail reports, Vesper Peak was actually decently popular when we went. There were at least 20 people this day. When we got to the top, we met about 4 other people. The trail is snow free till the last, say, 500 feet. Then it climbs a steep snowy slope. I brought an ice axe and used it on the way down after purposefully sliding, but ice axes aren't necessary. You'll just have to be careful coming down. Someone completed the hike with just the 5-toe shoes, no ice axe! Be sure to check out the video link of the hike to Vesper Peak!