Forum Index > Trip Reports > Esmeralda Pks. 09.27.08
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Bloated Chipmunk
Cock Rock Searcher



Joined: 29 Jan 2007
Posts: 2993 | TRs | Pics
Location: Margaritaville
Bloated Chipmunk
Cock Rock Searcher
PostMon Sep 29, 2008 6:46 pm 
Since Saturday’s westside forecast didn’t look too hot, we opted to head to the Teanaway for a little fun in the sun. It was the usual 3 suspects: Me, Todd, & MountainMan. Todd & I met MM @ the Issy P&R & then piled into Todd’s car & were headed east… up.gif Esmeralda is a series of summits immediately to the SE of Hawkins Mtn. in the Teanaway region, affording great views of Mt. Stuart, Ingalls Pk., Iron Pk., & many other notable summits. We opted for the west peaks as our destination, as maps & TRs indicated they were higher than the east peaks (& conveniently located close to the De Roux Creek trail, making for a relatively short distance off-trail). biggrin.gif On the dirt rd. not long before the TH, we were flagged down by an older gentleman pulled over, out of the car, & w/map in hand. He said they were kinda lost & wanted to get to Esmeralda. We replied that that was where we were going & that it was further down the rd. & to just follow us. He said OK & thanked us & got back in his car & we started off. Strangely enough, they proceeded to head in the exact opposite direction, back toward town. confused.gif I joked that maybe he recognized us from nwhikers & read all the hype & wanted to get as far away from us as possible. ykm.gif We arrived @ the trailhead around 9:30, seeing only 1 other hiker head up the trail just before us. Other vehicles included a few horse trailers, but o/w the lot was pretty empty compared to when we were there for our Hawkins trip in July.
TH sign
TH sign
A moderate pace was set up the trail & we paused to take pictures of the new bridge, creek, & falls. We also saw some interestingly shaped trees. dizzy.gif
Todd on 1st bridge
Todd on 1st bridge
Creek
Creek
Nice wading pool
Nice wading pool
Falls w/pool below
Falls w/pool below
Todd & MM by falls
Todd & MM by falls
Funky tree
Funky tree
We kept an eye on the GPSs & maps to gauge our approach to the turnoff point for Esmeralda. We got to the last major switchback after the creek crossing & headed up the steep slope. up.gif
2 guys w/2 GPSs
2 guys w/2 GPSs
Falls
Falls
Todd in the shadows
Todd in the shadows
Todd next to lg. boulder where we began our off-trail ascent
Todd next to lg. boulder where we began our off-trail ascent
MM & Todd on slope
MM & Todd on slope
Todd by rock pile
Todd by rock pile
MM coming up steep slope
MM coming up steep slope
Todd coming up steep slope
Todd coming up steep slope
We got to a little ridge w/boulders & followed the boulders up. One option is to follow the ridge & then curve left to the double west summits, or follow the boulder basin straight up to hit the saddle between the two. We took the ridge on the way up & the basin on the way down, finding the basin route a little easier & shorter.
Todd on the boulders
Todd on the boulders
Up the boulders
Up the boulders
Dead tree
Dead tree
We got to the eastern of the 2 west summits & found no register, so headed to the western most summit which is directly above Gallagher Head Lk. The 2 bumps are so close in height it is hard to tell the difference, nevertheless the register was found @ the 2nd bump. We signed our names & relaxed, ate, & took pics. The views were amazing! cool.gif The sun was shining but there was a crisp wind so we quickly put the long sleeves back on.
Our shadows
Our shadows
MM signs summit register
MM signs summit register
Views atop Esmeralda
Views atop Esmeralda
Views atop Esmeralda
Views atop Esmeralda
Todd on top
Todd on top
Todd on top of Esmeralda west pk.
Todd on top of Esmeralda west pk.
Mt. Stuart
Mt. Stuart
Lil' Annapurna (center)
Lil' Annapurna (center)
Gallagher Head Lk. & false summit of Hawkins Mtn.
Gallagher Head Lk. & false summit of Hawkins Mtn.
Gallagher Head Lk.
Gallagher Head Lk.
For the trip back we returned to the saddle & then headed straight down the basin, making short switchbacks on a vague trail that would come and go. The terrain here looks more slippery than it actually is, & once we hit the boulders we still made good time. We eventually intersected our track up, but continued to head in a more southernly route to pick up the trail slightly farther down. This seemed to be a bit more direct than our hike up & it we were down in no time.
Fall colors
Fall colors
Almost back to the trail
Almost back to the trail
Soon we reached the De Roux Creek trail, conveniently just before the creek crossing & avoiding the ravine. On the way out Todd spotted yet another interesting tree so he & MM posed w/it. lol.gif
MM & Todd w/tree
MM & Todd w/tree
The rest of the trip was uneventful & easy, & when we reached the parking lot only those w/campers & horse trailers were left, settling in for a Saturday night @ the trailhead. We made a quick exit & headed for the Mexican place in Cle Elum, always a satisfying meal after a day on (or off) the trail. hungry.gif souse.gif smile.gif

Home is where the hiking is. "Peaks that have come and gone four times should halt a man in his steps." -- William O. Douglas A balanced diet is a margarita in each hand.
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EastKing
Surfing and Hiking



Joined: 28 Mar 2007
Posts: 2082 | TRs | Pics
Location: 77 miles from Seattle!
EastKing
Surfing and Hiking
PostMon Sep 29, 2008 8:16 pm 
Awesome trip! Great TR and photos!!! up.gif up.gif

YouTube | SummitPost Saw the depths of despair. Now I am salvaging what time I have left on Earth.
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GeoTom
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Joined: 19 May 2005
Posts: 3215 | TRs | Pics
Location: Earth
GeoTom
Member
PostMon Sep 29, 2008 8:24 pm 
Quote:
The 2 bumps are so close in height it is hard to tell the difference, nevertheless the register was found @ the 2nd bump.
I thought the same thing in June. It helped that it was only a couple minute walk between them lol.gif

Knows literally nothing
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mountain high
space junkie



Joined: 03 Aug 2006
Posts: 71 | TRs | Pics
Location: between hikes
mountain high
space junkie
PostTue Sep 30, 2008 7:59 am 
How close are we to larch season?

"When one loses the deep intimate relationship with nature, then temples, mosques and churches become important." -J. Krishnamurti
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Bloated Chipmunk
Cock Rock Searcher



Joined: 29 Jan 2007
Posts: 2993 | TRs | Pics
Location: Margaritaville
Bloated Chipmunk
Cock Rock Searcher
PostTue Sep 30, 2008 1:45 pm 
Depending on where you go, the larches may or may not be turning yet. I didn't notice any yellowing @/near Esmeralda this wknd. You may wanna check out this thread for info. up.gif

Home is where the hiking is. "Peaks that have come and gone four times should halt a man in his steps." -- William O. Douglas A balanced diet is a margarita in each hand.
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The Angry Hiker
SAR Blacklistee



Joined: 13 Jun 2008
Posts: 2890 | TRs | Pics
Location: Kentwila
The Angry Hiker
SAR Blacklistee
PostTue Sep 30, 2008 1:52 pm 
Bloated Chipmunk wrote:
Quote:
We kept an eye on the GPSs & maps to gauge our approach to the turnoff point for Esmeralda. We got to the last major switchback after the creek crossing & headed up the steep slope.
That wasn't another one of those Class 5 slopes, was it? wink.gif

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bobbi
stillaGUAMish



Joined: 13 Jul 2006
Posts: 8012 | TRs | Pics
Location: olympics!
bobbi
stillaGUAMish
PostTue Sep 30, 2008 4:24 pm 
are we going to see any photos of you, BC?

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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Bloated Chipmunk
Cock Rock Searcher



Joined: 29 Jan 2007
Posts: 2993 | TRs | Pics
Location: Margaritaville
Bloated Chipmunk
Cock Rock Searcher
PostTue Sep 30, 2008 8:36 pm 
bcfc, Todd & MM took lots of pics on this hike so you should be seeing theirs shortly, no doubt some of them will have yours truly. wink.gif AH, I brought along some whips as well as a cattle prod for this hike so I would have an easier time forcing Todd & MM up the class 5 slope (their backsides are still feeling the sting), meanwhile we took our chances w/no ropes, helmets, or maps but thankfully managed to make it back to the car in one piece. clown.gif

Home is where the hiking is. "Peaks that have come and gone four times should halt a man in his steps." -- William O. Douglas A balanced diet is a margarita in each hand.
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MountainMan
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Joined: 15 Jul 2008
Posts: 365 | TRs | Pics
Location: San Diego
MountainMan
Member
PostWed Oct 01, 2008 10:53 am 
Here are my Esmerelda pics:
Fran (BC) taking a picture at the start of the trail.
Fran (BC) taking a picture at the start of the trail.
Todd and Fran on the bridge.
Todd and Fran on the bridge.
View from the trail.
View from the trail.
Interesting rock...
Interesting rock...
stream
stream
Fran enjoying the view from the falls.
Fran enjoying the view from the falls.
looking down the falls.
looking down the falls.
Nice little falls.
Nice little falls.
Interesting reddish colored peak across from Esmerelda.
Interesting reddish colored peak across from Esmerelda.
Todd at stream crossing, attempting EK pose.
Todd at stream crossing, attempting EK pose.
Fran's EastKing pose.
Fran's EastKing pose.
My EastKing  pose attempt.
My EastKing pose attempt.
At the stream crossing.
At the stream crossing.
Todd by big rock at the end of last switchback where we left the trail for Esmerelda.
Todd by big rock at the end of last switchback where we left the trail for Esmerelda.
For Bloated Chipmunk.
For Bloated Chipmunk.
Lumpy trees
Lumpy trees
What does it look like to you?
What does it look like to you?
Looking up towards Esmerelda Peaks from basin.
Looking up towards Esmerelda Peaks from basin.
Rainier from Esmerelda.
Rainier from Esmerelda.
Rainier from Esmerelda
Rainier from Esmerelda
Our shadows on the saddle of Esmerelda.
Our shadows on the saddle of Esmerelda.
On the summit.
On the summit.
On the summit.
On the summit.
Rainier from Esmerelda.
Rainier from Esmerelda.

Slow down, take notice, savor the moment, appreciate the world around you and everything that you have.
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EastKing
Surfing and Hiking



Joined: 28 Mar 2007
Posts: 2082 | TRs | Pics
Location: 77 miles from Seattle!
EastKing
Surfing and Hiking
PostThu Oct 02, 2008 6:28 am 
Good pics MountainMan!!!! Looks like you'll had a good time!!! up.gif up.gif

YouTube | SummitPost Saw the depths of despair. Now I am salvaging what time I have left on Earth.
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Hiker Mama
Member
Member


Joined: 25 Jun 2006
Posts: 3448 | TRs | Pics
Location: Lynnwood
Hiker Mama
Member
PostThu Oct 02, 2008 1:24 pm 
That looks so fun!

My hiking w/ kids site: www.thehikermama.com
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Mtn Man
Snow addict



Joined: 13 Jan 2008
Posts: 552 | TRs | Pics
Location: Shoreline, WA
Mtn Man
Snow addict
PostThu Oct 02, 2008 1:44 pm 
At first I was wondering, "Was I there and didn't know it. I know that I've been stressed lately...." Then I realized that I was on the opposing trail that weekend (Ingalls) wink.gif Hiking past Esmerelda, I thought it was a beautiful peak. Thanks for sharing! B)

Mmmmm, backcountry...
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Bloated Chipmunk
Cock Rock Searcher



Joined: 29 Jan 2007
Posts: 2993 | TRs | Pics
Location: Margaritaville
Bloated Chipmunk
Cock Rock Searcher
PostMon Oct 06, 2008 9:50 pm 
Here are a few of Todd's pics:
MM on the 1st bridge
MM on the 1st bridge
Looking east @ Iron Pk.
Looking east @ Iron Pk.
Ladybug colony
Ladybug colony
BC & Mt. Stuart
BC & Mt. Stuart
The falls looking up
The falls looking up

Home is where the hiking is. "Peaks that have come and gone four times should halt a man in his steps." -- William O. Douglas A balanced diet is a margarita in each hand.
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ree
Member
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Joined: 29 Jun 2004
Posts: 4399 | TRs | Pics
ree
Member
PostTue Oct 07, 2008 7:10 am 
Bloated Chipmunk wrote:
I joked that maybe he recognized us from nwhikers & read all the hype & wanted to get as far away from us as possible. ykm.gif
lol.gif up.gif Good one! lol.gif Nice write up!

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