[Gimpilator]

Had a failed attempt on Mount Appleton in April of 2015. It's definitely day-trip-able. Just not with lot's of knee-deep snow to slow you down. Last time we attempted the ridge direct route from Appleton Pass, so this time we did the traverse route to reach the saddle between Appleton and South Appleton.

bushwhack

bench and tarn at 4800 feet

bear cairn

saddle at left out of view

above the saddle

South Appleton

We left the trail above the spring and bushwhacked briefly to reach the large bench at 4800 feet. Follow the bench north past a nice tarn with good camping options and then work up to the saddle between the peaks. We did the south peak first because it is higher. The north peak is harder and might have a few genuine class 3 moves depending on how you go. Both peaks are tough class 2.

Mercury and Mathias above the Blue Glacier

Olympus

Appleton from South Appleton

Everett Peak and Blue Lake

exposed class 2

South Appleton from Appleton

Fairchild and Carrie

Carrie

Appleton summit

Boulder Peak

South Appleton

There are a lot of ripe berries up there right now which is indicated by the numerous piles of purple bear scat. More bear scat than I've seen before in a single area. John savors camping in the wilderness, so we camped early on the way down and it was nice to be take it easy. The next morning I made full use of the Olympic Hot-springs while John soaked his feet. I observed a small frog who forgot to get out after 15 minutes.

typical Olympic choss

Olympic Hot-springs

[RichP]

I've seen some of the biggest and best berries ever this year. Funny how that is with such a dry summer. A buddy of mine got a bad dose of giardia in those hot springs about 30 years ago.

[RodF]

Thanks for sharing your route & photos! Appleton Pass Trail was getting brushy before the Boulder Creek trailhead was closed for the last 3 years, and sure looks like it's an overgrown bushwack now. Park trail crew brushed lower Happy Lake Ridge trail this spring. Hope other trails in the area can get some TLC now that the trailhead is reopened.