Forum Index > Trip Reports > Johnson Ridge/Scorpion Mountain Trail 11/18/17
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Nancyann
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Joined: 28 Jul 2013
Posts: 2314 | TRs | Pics
Location: Sultan Basin
Nancyann
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PostSun Nov 19, 2017 2:04 pm 
For this snowy road, Hiking Partner used his new (yes, it still has dealer plates lol.gif )Toyota Tacoma 4WD. We made it about 5 1/2 miles before it started to high-center in 18" of unbroken snow. We backed down to a pull-off, and began our snowshoe trek up the last 2 miles to the Scorpion Mountain trailhead, where we didn't have high hopes of proceeding much further.
Johnson Ridge 11/18/17
Johnson Ridge 11/18/17
Johnson Ridge 11/18/17
Johnson Ridge 11/18/17
Johnson Ridge 11/18/17
Johnson Ridge 11/18/17
It was really a fabulous day to be up in the mountains, and we enjoyed interesting views of Mt. Townsend and the Beckler River drainage from the snowy road.
Johnson Ridge 11/18/17
Johnson Ridge 11/18/17
Johnson Ridge 11/18/17
Johnson Ridge 11/18/17
There looked to be several feet of snow, unconsolidated, at the Scorpion Mountain trailhead, so we stopped for a snack, then began the slow slog up the trail. Views towards Evergreen Mountain and the Rapid River valley opened up briefly.
Johnson Ridge/Scorpion Mountain Trail 11/18/17
Johnson Ridge/Scorpion Mountain Trail 11/18/17
Johnson Ridge/Scorpion Mountain Trail 11/18/17
Johnson Ridge/Scorpion Mountain Trail 11/18/17
Johnson Ridge/Scorpion Mountain Trail 11/18/17
Johnson Ridge/Scorpion Mountain Trail 11/18/17
Johnson Ridge 11/18/17
Johnson Ridge 11/18/17
Johnson Ridge/Scorpion Mountain Trail 11/18/17
Johnson Ridge/Scorpion Mountain Trail 11/18/17
Johnson Ridge/Scorpion Mountain Trail 11/18/17
Johnson Ridge/Scorpion Mountain Trail 11/18/17
We took turns breaking trail, since our Lightening Ascent snowshoes sunk down a couple of feet with every step in the soft snow.
Johnson Ridge/Scorpion Mountain Trail 11/18/17
Johnson Ridge/Scorpion Mountain Trail 11/18/17
Johnson Ridge/Scorpion Mountain Trail 11/18/17
Johnson Ridge/Scorpion Mountain Trail 11/18/17
Johnson Ridge/Scorpion Mountain Trail 11/18/17
Johnson Ridge/Scorpion Mountain Trail 11/18/17
About 3pm, we reached the top of the hill where the old decommissioned road turns into a real trail. The trail was blocked by snow-covered brush at this point, so we decided to turn around, saving the rest for another day (or someone else wink.gif ) It was so nice to walk back down in our hard-earned steps, and enjoy some great views along the way!
Johnson Ridge/Scorpion Mountain Trail 11/18/17
Johnson Ridge/Scorpion Mountain Trail 11/18/17
Views from Johnson Ridge 11/18/17
Views from Johnson Ridge 11/18/17
Johnson Ridge/Scorpion Mountain Trail 11/18/17
Johnson Ridge/Scorpion Mountain Trail 11/18/17
Sunset and Ground Fog over the Beckler River Valley
Sunset and Ground Fog over the Beckler River Valley
Views from Johnson Ridge 11/18/17
Views from Johnson Ridge 11/18/17
Views from Johnson Ridge 11/18/17
Views from Johnson Ridge 11/18/17
Views from Johnson Ridge 11/18/17
Views from Johnson Ridge 11/18/17
Views from Johnson Ridge 11/18/17
Views from Johnson Ridge 11/18/17
Views from Johnson Ridge 11/18/17
Views from Johnson Ridge 11/18/17
At about one mile above where we parked the truck, our snowshoe tracks were obliterated by big truck tire tracks, which told an interesting story. They had reached a point where they had to back down a very long ways, almost ending up in a ditch, before they could get turned around.
Johnson Ridge 11/18/17
Johnson Ridge 11/18/17
Other than that, we saw no other signs of people the entire day, a fabulous day to be out enjoying the sunshine and new snow!

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mbravenboer
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mbravenboer
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PostSun Nov 19, 2017 3:18 pm 
up.gif I had never considered that ridge as a snowshoe hike due to the long road, assuming that it would not get you very far, but apparently it's nice!

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timberghost
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timberghost
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PostMon Nov 20, 2017 11:29 am 
Nice write up, Johnson ridge is a great snowshoe area. FYI there will be a lot more vehicles in that area this weekend more so Harlan Ridge as people will be out getting their Xmas trees.

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Nancyann
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Joined: 28 Jul 2013
Posts: 2314 | TRs | Pics
Location: Sultan Basin
Nancyann
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PostMon Nov 20, 2017 11:54 am 
Yes, it was very nice on Saturday, but the road passes under some steep slopes that I wouldn't want to drive under if there was significant snow on a high avy day. There wasn't enough snow on Saturday to worry about, but we still saw many little pinwheels and snowballs rolling down the hill as we walked up. I'm not sure when the F.S. closes the gate on that road, but we may go up there again after the rain washes all the snow away to at least get up to Sunrise Mountain for a nice view of Glacier Peak. smile.gif Thanks for the heads up about the Christmas tree hunters, timberghost!

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bobbi
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Joined: 13 Jul 2006
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bobbi
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PostMon Nov 20, 2017 10:25 pm 
I'm waiting until at least December to 'get hiking on some snow'. it's just not right! it's still autumn, ha ha! hurricane ridge should be open soon, but Friday-sunday, and will open for a week during winter break, last week of december.

bobbi ૐ "Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So…get on your way!" - Oh, the Places You’ll Go! By Dr. Seuss
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