[Justus S.]

June 23, 2006 Destination: Treen Peak and East Garfield (5480+) Finally, I made it up the Middle Fork. The weather was just perfect for a trip to this area. After driving up the Middle Fork Road, I turned off and began the drive up the road to Dingford. The road is not in the greatest shape, and I had to drive slowly in my Honda. I parked at a pullout 4.1 miles after the turn off to Dingford, and then walked about a 1/3 mile to the creek that drains out of Green View Lake. I backtracked about 400-500ft where I spotted the trail that goes up Green View Ridge. The trail was pretty easy to follow. Around 3400, a guess, there was a pink flag, and the trail splits. I went up the left trail that continues up the ridge crest. This section of the trail is faint in a few places. It was nice after about two hours from the car to finally reach the ridge top at 4800 and have the first nice views of the day. I then continued on the ridge to little, frozen lake 4662 where I finally encountered my first snow. Most of the way to the summit would now be on snow. From the lake I dropped down to Upper Garfield Lake and then headed up to Charlie Brown. I then aimed for a saddle/notch on the east side of the summit. At the flattish basin around 4900ft I headed northwest crossing the basin and then made my way to the summit from the south. I was very glad I had started my trip early in the day since most of the trip to the summit was in the shade and coolness of morning. The summit is not particularly great, but the views sure are. Numerous lakes and peaks surround you. Otter Falls is also pretty neat. I lounged around for a while and then made the descent back to Upper Garfield Lake. I had plenty of time left, and my goal was now to head for the summit of East Garfield. From the lake, I made my way to the saddle at 4720+ on the east ridge. Upon reaching the saddle the scrambling begins up the ridge. There is quite a lot of scrambling. For the most part it is pretty easy and nothing was harder than third class. On my way up the ridge I saw a mtn goat. The summit had some great views, especially, of the impressive main Garfield Mtn, and it’s surrounding high points. Hopefully, some day I may also enjoy it’s summit. I lounged for a while and then made my descent. From the saddle(4720+) I decided to drop and traverse on the north side of the ridge and regained it at the 4640+ saddle. I then made my way back along ridge and was soon at lake 4662. I picked up my trail from earlier and was soon at the 4800 ridge pt and beginning the drop to the valley floor. The trail is bit hard to follow here. After dropping down a bit I felt I had better pull out the compass to make sure I was headed in the right direction. Yep, sure enough I was heading down a little to far to the west, what a terrible mistake that would have been. Using the compass I headed due south and was soon back on track. My knees felt the steepness of the trail on the way down, and I was sure glad when I finally reached the road. I was also pretty glad to make it out just before sunset. In spite of being pretty tired at the days end, this trip was well worth the effort. It was truly a great day out in the mountains. Notes: Trip Time 14.5hrs. I wasn’t in too big of a hurry. Car to Treen 4.75hrs, Upper Gar Lake to East Garfield 2.25hrs. Lakes still frozen over. Used the ice axe. Trekkin poles were nice to have along. Snow covered boulder fields are thawing out making for post-holing problems, not much of a problem today but in the future…???

3 labels

rainier and east garfield

7 labels

chair adams kaleetan rainier

otter falls2

complete falls

glacier peak

chair and kaleetan

east garfield from upper lake

lower garfield

garfield

gar2

8 labels

middle fork

big snow to three queens?

leaving, looking back at east garfield

Treen2

[1k]

Wow, I am worn out just reading your report! Good job, nice pics. Are the skeeters out yet?

[Justus S.]

1k, no bugs.

[naturealbeing]

Justus, I have to say I've been thinking about having you arrested for cruel and unusual punishment. You know I didn't have the time off to make this trip with you and then you go right ahead and produce the goods for all the world to see. Man it looks like you had a 10 star day for your trip. Good for you, you deserve to have some stellar trips after your Spring trip. Now you really got me stoked to get up there and get this one done. BTW, job well done. I really like the shot you took of Otter Falls. When I was up there 5.13.06 I took Crystal up to 2,700' where the two falls join to becomes one, it's very clear in your photo. There's a nice bowl up there for taking a dip, be warned tho, it's cold. Here's some shots looking back at ya.

Treen Peak as seen from Otter Falls at 2,700' 5.13.06.

Treen Peak as seen from Otter Falls at 2,700' 5.13.06.

Garfield Mtn. as seen from Otter Falls at 2,700' 5.13.06.

Otter Falls at 2700' looking down into the valley. 5.13.06.

[Gil]

Looks like some beautiful spots! Some day ...

[Justus S.]

Hey, NB I wish you could have joined me for the trip. I was such a nice day out. At least you have a long, boring report to get you up there though. Thanks for the return shots. Treen looks pretty from down there by the falls. I was surprised at how tall Otter Falls is. I'll have to visit them sometime.

[SlowWalker]

Nice pics, Justus S. The shot titled "chair adams kaleetan rainier" also shows a great perspective on Melakwa Pass, so I labeled the pic. Your trip reports are inspiring.

[Sore Feet]

[Dayhike Mike]

[Backpacker Joe]

Nice pics. Nice report. Sorry to have to be the one to correct you, but it's Green Ridge lake. Not Green View lake. An otherwise steller performance.

[Tom]

[greg]

Justus, did you get a look at the aforementioned greenish lake, and if so, was it iced over or clear?

[Justus S.]

Thanks for the comments everyone and correction BPJ. As far as any green looking lakes I didn't get a glimpse. Nordrum still had snow if that helps.

[greg]

OK tnx Justus