Previous :: Next Topic |
Author |
Message |
awilsondc Member
Joined: 03 Apr 2016 Posts: 1323 | TRs | Pics
|
I scheduled the 10th through the 14th off months ago for a multi day larch trip. I missed guessed both the larch peak time frame and the best weather window. The weather was horrible and I couldn't even find two day trip worth doing given the conditions. Monday looked good so I headed out for a day trip. I had Bootjack and Highchair rolling around in the back of my mind for the last few years and decided on that as my goal for the day. It had snowed in the mountains the last couple days so I packed up and headed out, prepared for the conditions. The road to the trailhead was interesting with foggy mountain views, a rainbow, fall colors, and some deer crossing the road. I got to the empty trailhead and started hiking around 9am.
Icicle Ridge Rainbow Deer crossing the road
The foliage along the trail was wet, and I was not stoked about it. Fortunately after a few hundred vertical feet the forest opened up and I didn't get totally soaked, but a bit wet for sure. I made note of a stream about 1000 ft up which I was grateful for later. Around 4200 ft snow patches started and snow was continuous by 5000 ft. Three inches down low, but six inches higher up. I could still see where the trail went, and as I ascended fog and clouds were in the process of clearing which provided a fun moody ambiance.
Fall colors Staring out on the trail Lower section of trail Snow begins Trail to Bootjack Pillows of snow Nearing Bootjack's summit Above the surface (for now) Bootjack Summit clearing of clouds
I was kinda depressed about not being able to do a mulit day trip, and was feeling generally unmotivated as I neared the summit of Bootjack and considered the option of heading home and skipping Highchair. As I neared the summit I found my motivation. My, what is THAT beautiful thing out yonder? A fresh coat of snow, larch and forested slopes on either side of a beautiful ridgeline, and a perfect cap of clouds overhead it was absolutely goegeous! When I looked at my map and found out that it was Highchair, I knew I was gonna have to go climb it.
Oooooo O_o What is THAT?! Highchair! A picture of snow on a rock Through the Window
I didn't stay on Bootjack too long, but I did have some food and admired the views before heading off for Highchair. It looked so far away, I knew it was going to take a couple hours to get there. I wanted to stay on the ridge the whole way but it was windy and cold up there so I ended up traversing along the east side most of the time which kind of sucked. It was basically boulder hopping on boulders covered in several inches of snow and it was slow and tedious. I was very grateful to have boots with good traction when wet. Snow was deep enough that I eventually put on gaiters which I was super glad I brought. I had microspikes too but never even considered using them. Views were great along the route with somewhat thin mixed larch and evergreen forest and several prominent peaks I have had the pleasure of standing atop in previous years. As the ridge went on I decided to drop down a bit into a more mellow basin which I should have done to begin with. From there it was easier travel to the summit, 2:20 from Bootjack at a slow tedious pace.
Starting out on the ridge to Highchair On the ridge to Highchair A wee bitty larch Along the ridge Tarn Meadow, Eightmile, Jack Ridge, Stuart Beyond A view from a traverse Stuart, Ingalls, and Harding Harding That's a big larch! Stuart, framed
The views from Highchair were dramatically better than Bootjack and I was glad I made the trip! The Cradle in particular looked appealing and has jumped several spots on my to do list as a result. Great 360 views all around, especially with everything covered in a fresh coat of snow! Pretty amazing up there, I think I stayed for an hour before heading back.
Near the summit of Highchair The Cradle! Looking SE from Highchair Bootjack from Highchair Highchair Mountain Summit Pano The Cradle from Highchair Mountain Snowy terrain
On the way back I dropped straight down to the basin I had seen on the way it. It was much better travel and I paused here and there to investigate this and that and relish in the mountain experience as I made my way back to Bootjack. As I arrived back at Bootjack I noted it was a little over two hours until sunset. Just enough time to get back to the car before dark, or... hang out until sunset!
Down to the meadow, Bootjack beyond Cashmere Large Larch Tarn Light and Shadow Meadow Trees
I decided to hang out until sunset. I found a sloped rock that was dry and wasn't totally uncomfortable and settled down for a nap. I poked around a bit and took some pictures and just enjoyed being on a mountain top. Life is better in the alpine. Sunset was cool, and as the sun ducked behind some clouds near the horizon I decided it was time to depart.
Bootjack Shadow Golden Hour Sunset Sunset from the summit Stuart Cashmere
Blue hour was fun to enjoy on the way down and soon it was headlamp time. The trail was easy to follow on the way down. I ran out of water and stopped at that spring I remembered on the way up, the only running water on the trip. Man, it was delicious too! Some of the best mountain water I've had all year. The drive home absolutely sucked. I was super tired and had to stop several times for cat naps, I hate feeling like that. These sunset hikes just aren't my thing. I'm a sunrise guy for sure. All in all it was another great day in the mountains!
Afterburn colors Good Night Mountains Hiking out at Blue Hour
11 miles 5600 ft gain 11 hours (several hours of non moving time)
|
Back to top |
|
|
RossJames Member
Joined: 27 Apr 2020 Posts: 39 | TRs | Pics Location: Kennewick, WA |
Monday was a pretty good weather window. Glad you got to spend it out! Looking forward to getting out with you again someday soon
|
Back to top |
|
|
IanB Vegetable Belayer
Joined: 21 Jul 2010 Posts: 1061 | TRs | Pics Location: gone whuljin' |
|
IanB
Vegetable Belayer
|
Fri Oct 16, 2020 9:38 pm
|
|
|
What a great looking trip!
I love that feeling when the low-stoke is rewarded with a big payoff.
"Forget gaining a little knowledge about a lot and strive to learn a lot about a little." - Harvey Manning
"Forget gaining a little knowledge about a lot and strive to learn a lot about a little." - Harvey Manning
|
Back to top |
|
|
|
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
|
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate NWHikers.net earns from qualifying purchases when you use our link(s).
|