[Happy Trail Dog]

Conglomerate Point (5375ft) lies between Trout Creek and Howard Creek off the North Fork of the Skykomish river road. It offers exceptional and not often seen views of the back (North) side of Merchant and Gunn Peaks and the South face of Spire Mountain. I had tried this hike in late December but was stopped at 3800ft by rain, snow and brush. This time I was determined to make it. The weather was exceptional and the route seemed to have gotten much easier. The "trailhead" is located about 6 miles from the town of Index. After crossing Trout Creek, look for a road on the right. My Civic made it about 20ft more (elev. 800ft), but those with lion-hearted, high clearance vehicles can make it at least another mile. Take the immediate left fork and follow it to 1200ft where the Trout Creek road continues to the right. Take the left fork and follow it to its end at 4200ft. The views of Merchant and Gunn across the elegant Trout Creek valley start at about 2500ft and just get better. At the road's end, head up the open slope to an obvious gap in the ridge between Iron Mountain and Conglomerate Point. Views of Spire Mountain and the Howard Creek valley make their first appearance here. Even the Olympics were visible on such a clear, fine day. Follow the ridge East to Conglomerate Point. The deep fresh snow on the ridge made travel somewhat difficult but the ridge itself presents no unpleasant surprises. The top of Conglomerate Point offers additional views to the East including Mount Stuart. This is a great, easy to get to, alternative for winter travel. Total stats: 12 miles, 4500ft elevation gain. 5 hours up and 3 1/2 hours down (with lots of time for pictures) Here are pictures of Merchant and Gunn, and Spire Mountain.

Merchant and Gunn Peaks from the Iron Mtn/Conglomerate Pt ridge

Spire Mountain from Conglomerate Point