We left the trailhead at 9 am with the intention of climbing the north face of Vesper (a 5.7 rock climb) but with the misty clouds lingering, we figured the route would be too slick. Instead, we just lugged all our climbing gear up the standard hiking trail route of Vesper. The first creek crossing wasn't too bad. The second one is a little tricky. Some people hike upstream to the blow down, others balance across the delicate logs, and others take their boots off and wade across. Mixed snow and trail up Headlee Pass, which was probably the most difficult section of the whole route. More or less solid snow from Headlee Pass to the summit of Vesper. Made it back down at 5:30 pm. Brought crampons but didn't use them. An ice axe is very helpful, if not essential. Bring trekking poles if you have them.

It was a beautiful day for a hike and we got an early start for the Mtn. Loop highway headed for Vesper Peak There were only two cars at the trailhead and we started off by 8:40am. The first creek ford is no big deal-better on the lower and wider log than the two parallel ones downstream. We lost the trail at the big river ford however and since the bridge was out it was unclear which way to go. We unfortunately decided not to cross the river as it looked like a difficult ford so we followed the trail to the left a ways up the drainage below lewis peak. it was very overgrown and we lost the trail on the boulders. We realized we had made an error and backtracked to the river ford. We did the ford and it is doable but requires scrambling on wet rocks and logs and does demonstrate a considerable amount of danger. the trail is overgrown at times with alot of ferns obscuring your vision and it is easy to step off the trail on this steep hillside ascent. There was still alot of snow in the hanging meadow and we decided to go on up to headlee pass. The chute just below the pass for about approx 500 ft. of elevation is very steep, narrow and completely packed with snow. an ice axe is definetely recommended and even with that is not for the faint of heart!! It was only partially in the sun and on the descent (which consisted mostly of downclimbing facing the mtn.) the steps were at times difficult to kick in. We lunched at headlee pass and it took a long time to do the descent described above very methodically and then it was a fun glissade for the lower part of the basin and the descent out. The river water level was even higher on the way out with all the snow melt from the day's continuous sun and the ford was even more exciting due to it!! We had to get back for 4th of july plans so opted out of the climb to the peak but one of the guys we met just as we made it to the pass had started early and made it to the peak and was on his way down skiing. he said that the ascent from headlee pass to the summit wasn't even as quarter as challenging as ""that nasty chute"" it was a beautiful day!!

The Sunrise Mine road is now tree-free! A pleasant surprise since we expected to do some road walking. We started up under steady rain and entered the forest. Right away was a tricky creek crossing. There's a rolley chunk of cedar to walk the plank over, or a pair of broken bridge beams to choose from. We made it safely, and dry, and pushed on to the major crossing. The water was pretty high and the log I used last year was now gone. We climbed over some slippery rocks, a chunk of cedar, shimmied over a big slippery log, another cedar piece, and some more rocks to make it across. Certainly not for the faint of heart or balance. Climbing up the open slopes to the gully there are lots of flowers out! Bleeding hearts, wood violet, corn lilies, trilium, and glacier lillies. There is also one icy patch of snow to cross as well. Just as we entered the boulder field the rain let up and the clouds started to rise. We even saw some blue sky! The snow here is starting to thin though and there is a lot of avalanche debris to cross until reaching Headlee. We didn't bring our snowshoes, and did fine without, but I think I'd feel more comfortable with snowshoes over this stretch. There was a hearty group of three plus dog ahead of us and we used their steps to get up Headlee. Thanks guys! The snow was great for kicking steps but we wore crampons anyway for a little extra traction. Slowly we made the top of the pass and got a look at distant Vesper. Beautiful white slopes, so different from summer. So far away too. There was some steep, hard, unpleasant snow to cross to get to the traverse. The traverse over to the Vesper and Sperry basin was no problem though. Still following the steps we began our slow march up Vesper. Great views of Morning Star, Sperry, Del Campo, and all other peaks now! The higher we went, the better the views became. About three quarters the way up we met the group ahead coming down on skis. One guy was being chased down by his dog who was having a blast. We thanked them for the stairs and continued on. And of course just as we arrived on top the clouds rolled in. But they rolled out again. And back in. And out. I like being on top of a peak in these conditions, it makes the summit seem much higher. We had some great views in all directions and down into Copper lake, which is thawed out. There was also a rock with ""One Day at a Time"" etched into it. No sign of the register though, I guess it's still under the snow somewhere. Now the fun began - glissade time! We managed a nearly uninterrupted glisade back down to the basin. The snow tended to ball up beneath us making for a slower ride, but still great! We traversed back over and started down Headlee. We glissaded the upper part, but stepped down the steep middle section, before using another long glissade back to the basin floor. All that was between us and Granite Falls pizza now was a slow walk over softened avalanche debris, a rough trail, and two nasty water crossings. Our luck held and we made it without incident - just as the clouds let loose! Trip photos: http://www.pbase.com/billcat/vesper2/

Although this trail is very steep and rocky, it has been well brushed out. There are only a few small snow patches left near the summit of Vesper (ice axes not needed). Running water is available in the lower portion of the trail, the lake outlet, and snowmelt just below the summit. Great views!

This was an Everett Mountaineers scramble trip. We had a huge group by club standards, but choice. This included some old scramble buddies Yoyo, Skippy, and Blissman along with students from this year's class and previous year's classes: 5 cent, Mickey, Pokey, Gumby, Just Jane, Wildman and the Jerk. Yes, these nicknames are all in fun and agreed upon by the namees! The day was hot and sunny. The trail was a bit crowded. Some recent maintenance has been done and the trail is in the best shape that I have seen ever. Slabs were fun as always. The craziest of us went for a dip in the outlet to Lake Elan. None of us had the guts to swim in the lake itself which was rimmed in ice. No wildlife was seen except for us and a few berries kept us occupied for awhile.