Forum Index > Trip Reports > Red Top Lookout - FANTASTIC! March 7, 2008
 Reply to topic
Previous :: Next Topic
Author Message
Sadie's Driver
Sadie's Driver



Joined: 24 Apr 2006
Posts: 1763 | TRs | Pics
Location: Welcome Pass
Sadie's Driver
Sadie's Driver
PostSun Mar 09, 2008 7:19 pm 
Yet wrote:
SD and gang - You all have such fantastic adventures! I'm only just a little bit jealous. wink.gif
Welllllll, come on with us! agree.gif It's a pretty decent group - misadventures and all! doh.gif
Magellan wrote:
Really great trip you guys. The picture of Jim K pointing at something has become a tradition.
hmmm.gif Really? I hadn't noticed! lol.gif M/C - Mushrooms, eh? Morels, eh? paranoid.gif suuure.gif

Four-paw buddy lets me tag along!
Back to top Reply to topic Reply with quote Send private message
wildernessed
viewbagger



Joined: 31 Oct 2004
Posts: 9275 | TRs | Pics
Location: Wenatchee
wildernessed
viewbagger
PostSun Mar 09, 2008 7:24 pm 
up.gif

Living in the Anthropocene
Back to top Reply to topic Reply with quote Send private message
JimK
Member



Joined: 07 Feb 2002
Posts: 5606 | TRs | Pics
Location: Ballard
JimK
Member
PostSun Mar 09, 2008 9:38 pm 
A few years ago Matt posted a report of a snowshoe scramble of Red Top Lookout starting from the North Fork Teanaway River Road. It was long with a lot of elevation gain but it looked like a great trip. We had kicked this idea around for some time. It is mostly a ridge walk so we wanted a day with little wind and clear skies. Also, because of the length we needed the longer days of late winter. With a forecast of 40% chance of snow in the morning and partly cloudy in the afternoon we decided this was the time. The National Weather Service has been wildly pessimistic for the last year. Every week has been better than forecast. This has been especially true on the east side of the mountains. If we believed the forecast we would never go out. Once again the norm proved to be true. Barry, Suzanne, and I met in North Seattle at 6:15 AM and Bob, Kolleen, David, and Jack met in Bellevue at 6:30. There was not much traffic at that hour and we cruised up the Teanaway Road arriving at about 8:00 AM. There is precious little parking as the snow is almost up to the road on both sides. The only space we could find was right where we wanted to start. The Indian Creek Road is right at the 11 mile marker. There was room for three cars. The sign on the gate says "Do Not Block Gate" though the road after the gate is under a foot of snow. We managed to squeeze in so there was access to the gate. It was in the high 20s with absolutely blue sky. So much for the forecast.
Minimal Parking
Minimal Parking
Fetch!
Fetch!
David arrived with the others at about 8:15. By 8:35 we were packed up and on our way. We walked down the road crossing Indian Creek then headed onto the snow. The snow was rock hard so we kept our snowshoes on our packs to start. Matt listed the route as 13 miles round trip with 4200' of gain. The trailhead is at 2400' and the summit is at 5361'. That meant there was some 600' of downs on the way in and 600' of ups on the way out. His group took almost 10 hours round trip with only 20 minutes on the summit. We knew it would be a long day. Route finding is not too hard. Matt's map helped as well. His report can be found here: Red Top Scramble. The way begins fairly flat then starts to climb. We went over one bump, descended, then began to climb again. Views out to Mt. Stuart and many Teanaway Peaks occur very quickly. Higher on the ridge most views are down the valley and not out towards Mt. Stuart. Summit views more than make up for this though.
Earl Peak
Earl Peak
Mt. Stuart
Mt. Stuart
Teanaway Butte
Teanaway Butte
All too soon we began to post hole as the snow softened. In fact as we climbed out of the valley bottom it began to warm up fast. We were mostly in forest as we climbed up some moderately steep slopes. It was never uncomfortably steep. We crossed a road several times. We would find a number of roads before the day was done. Few were on our maps. We reached a big opening that appeared to be a logging landing then it was right back into the forest. The grade eased substantially as the ridge narrowed.
Bare Ground
Bare Ground
Logging Landing
Logging Landing
Thin Forest
Thin Forest
An opening in the forest gave us a view up to the lookout. It still looked to be a long distance away. Views opened up to the south and west. We were surprised to find a road. It was just below the ridge top and made walking even easier. We crested point 4238 and had a gentle descent. The road kept descending but the ridge now headed steeply up. We traversed from the road over to the low saddle in the ridge. The slope looked extremely steep with cliffs at the top. It was not quite as steep as it looked.
Lookout
Lookout
Help!
Help!
Mt. Rainier
Mt. Rainier
Break Time
Break Time
Closer
Closer
Miller Peak
Miller Peak
We headed up on hard snow that the snowshoes bit into well. We angled right and then had to make a near level traverse to the far right ridge. The snow was good and we had no trouble. One final steeper section and we were on another ridge top hump. Things became more interesting in the next section. The ridge was very narrow as we followed on the very top or just below to get around obstacles. In one place some of us took out ice axes to do a short descending traverse with some exposure.
Steeper
Steeper
Traverse
Traverse
We took Matt's advice and as we neared Point 4993 we went right side hilling around the point. The footing was pretty good in snowshoes as it was soft enough to get pretty solid steps. This took us the the saddle just south of 4993. There is a road heading east from the pass. We should have taken it. Instead we climbed up a slope to the southeast. This soon brought us to a point dropping steeply to the south and east . To the north it was more gentle. We took this route straight down and met up with the road.
On The Ridge Top
On The Ridge Top
Don't Slip
Don't Slip
Narrow Ridge
Narrow Ridge
The road dropped to a valley floor and then climbed up the other side. A short way up we left the road and climbed straight up to Teanaway Ridge. This was moderately steep at the bottom but soon became quite gentle as it neared the ridge. I think most of us were getting worn out as we had been climbing consistently for over 4 hours. At the top of the ridge we broke out of the forest and into bright sunshine. Great views to the east. We could see most of our Tronsen Ridge route the weekend before.
Teanaway Peaks
Teanaway Peaks
On Teanaway Ridge Top
On Teanaway Ridge Top
Lookout Ahead
Lookout Ahead
The ridge is wide and made for easy walking. A few ups and downs and the lookout came into view. We knew there was a 20' step to get onto the summit ridge and from this angle there did not seem to be any easy way to get up there. The ridge dropped a little and then entered forest for the last bit of climbing. As the ridge narrowed down we dropped snowshoes and traded one or both poles for ice axes. Bob and Barry went out ahead to scout the route. The snow was well consolidated but soft in spots. I headed up behind the leaders.
Mt. Rainier II
Mt. Rainier II
Lookout In Sight
Lookout In Sight
Meadow
Meadow
Bob led up into a narrow gully. I could not see the top. A few minutes later he called out that it looked like it would go and on we went. In the gully itself the snow was loose. Footsteps were deep though giving us a sense of security. I tried hard not to break out the steps as we hoped to use them on the descent. A few minutes later I exited the gully and stepped onto the summit ridge. The lookout was just above and Bob was out on the rock of the false summit. The ridge narrowed in the middle but was still a good six feet wide. The drop off on both sides was impressive.
Summit Ridge
Summit Ridge
Lookout Tower
Lookout Tower
Bob On False Summit
Bob On False Summit
I visited Red Top one time many years ago. It was by car with a 10 minute walk from the trailhead. I can verify that it is much more impressive in the winter. One by one our group popped up the gully onto the ridge. Suzanne was worried about her dog Gusto but he rambled right up the gully with his four paw drive. Views from the top are spectacular. The Stuart Range and most all the Teanaway Peaks are laid out to the west. They are very beautiful when cloaked in snow. It took us 4:47 to summit. That was 63 minutes less than Matt's Mountaineer group but still a long time.
Stuart, Bean, & Earl
7 labels
Stuart, Bean, & Earl
Teanaway Peaks
Teanaway Peaks
Group On Summit
Group On Summit
We had a nice break for lunch and photos from the top. Still in less than half an hour it was time to get moving. I sure would like to spend a night in that lookout in the winter. What a sunset and sunrise you would have. A few clouds were above mostly near Mt. Rainier and the Cascade crest. It was still beautiful over the Teanaway area. We had no problems descending the gully and were back on the lower ridge.
A Long Way Down
A Long Way Down
Heading Down
Heading Down
Last Look At Lookout
Last Look At Lookout
Looking Down Gully
Looking Down Gully
Looking Up Gully
Looking Up Gully
Our trip down went pretty well. My only real concern was descending the steep slope from near 4600' to the road down at about 4150'. The snow had softened significantly and we were able to take off our snowshoes and plunge step all the way down. It was even too soft for any glissading. At the bottom we put snowshoes back on and climbed up the road to where we left it for the ridge top again. With about a mile to go we managed to lose our tracks and headed too far north. With map and GPS we rambled below the ridge top until we ran into Indian Creek.
Across Meadow
Across Meadow
Diamond Head
Diamond Head
Narrow Ridge
Narrow Ridge
Bob & Kolleen
Bob & Kolleen
One small snow bridge held our weight and we were on the Indian Creek Road. Less than half a mile later we reached the cars. It was 5:30 PM, about 9 hours after our start. Still , we beat darkness by about 45 minutes. This was a long but very enjoyable day. There were a few spicy sections to add excitement but mostly it was just a long ridge walk from the valley bottom to the summit of the peak. The weather was perfect and the company was excellent. All in all a great day spent in the mountains.
Almost Back
Almost Back
Sunset And Earl
Sunset And Earl
For the day we traveled about 13 miles with 4200' of elevation gain. I think it should be shorter to head up from the Highway 97 side via Blue Creek but that route has snowmobiles and lesser views. We had solitude and some spectacular views. The payoff was well worth the effort of which there was plenty.

Back to top Reply to topic Reply with quote Send private message
Yet
Member
Member


Joined: 23 Apr 2005
Posts: 2634 | TRs | Pics
Location: Happily Ever After
Yet
Member
PostSun Mar 09, 2008 9:57 pm 
Very nice TR, JimK! agree.gif

Back to top Reply to topic Reply with quote Send private message
Obi Tony Kenobi
Waterfall Crazy!



Joined: 25 Jun 2007
Posts: 1899 | TRs | Pics
Location: Marysville, WA
Obi Tony Kenobi
Waterfall Crazy!
PostMon Mar 10, 2008 2:05 am 
Great pictures! I need to get to the top of another mountain soon!

Back to top Reply to topic Reply with quote Send private message
Jimbo
Member
Member


Joined: 14 Feb 2005
Posts: 1558 | TRs | Pics
Location: Arlington
Jimbo
Member
PostMon Mar 10, 2008 6:45 am 
I envy all you that hike in the winter. Never thought of this before but we all have nice shades so we don't get snow blinded, but what about our dogs. I wonder how there vision and pain level is after a nice sunny hike in the snow cool.gif Just thinking out loud..

Guns only have two enemies; rust and politicians
Back to top Reply to topic Reply with quote Send private message
Sadie's Driver
Sadie's Driver



Joined: 24 Apr 2006
Posts: 1763 | TRs | Pics
Location: Welcome Pass
Sadie's Driver
Sadie's Driver
PostMon Mar 10, 2008 8:45 am 
Top Dog
Jimbo wrote:
I envy all you that hike in the winter. Never thought of this before but we all have nice shades so we don't get snow blinded, but what about our dogs. I wonder how there vision and pain level is after a nice sunny hike in the snow cool.gif Just thinking out loud..
Jimbo - As a two-legged hiking companion to my four-paw friends, I try to be aware of their needs. I have turned around when I thought it was too much (dogs will keep going until they drop - literally. It happened to Sadie once on a hot August day going up Dickerman). It's important to watch them carefully, check their paws (rocks and ice can do damage) and make sure they are getting water (summer or winter). I don't know about the eyes, however. I haven't noticed a problem - but that doesn't mean that there might not be one - I'll check around. Both Sadie and Gusto never seemed to be bothered with vision issues - but maybe their sense of smell compensates. Sure doesn't affect their appetite!! lol.gif Edit/note: Well, even REI has doggy sunglasses! go to: http://www.rei.com/product/705165 Gusto would be so stylin'!!!

Four-paw buddy lets me tag along!
Back to top Reply to topic Reply with quote Send private message
lookout bob
WTA proponent.....



Joined: 12 Apr 2005
Posts: 3043 | TRs | Pics
Location: wta work while in between lookouts
lookout bob
WTA proponent.....
PostMon Mar 10, 2008 8:47 am 
SD...beautiful!!!! As a summertime volunteer at that lookout, I really appreciate your photos....great stuff indeed. cool.gif cool.gif cool.gif up.gif

"Altitude is its own reward" John Jerome ( from "On Mountains")
Back to top Reply to topic Reply with quote Send private message
Sadie's Driver
Sadie's Driver



Joined: 24 Apr 2006
Posts: 1763 | TRs | Pics
Location: Welcome Pass
Sadie's Driver
Sadie's Driver
PostMon Mar 10, 2008 11:10 am 
lookout bob wrote:
SD...beautiful!!!! As a summertime volunteer at that lookout, I really appreciate your photos....great stuff indeed. cool.gif cool.gif cool.gif up.gif
Yeah, when that wind picked up on top, we were going to call you to bring us the key to the Lookout!!!! lol.gif winksmile.gif

Four-paw buddy lets me tag along!
Back to top Reply to topic Reply with quote Send private message
Opus
Wannabe



Joined: 04 Mar 2006
Posts: 3700 | TRs | Pics
Location: The big rock candy mountain
Opus
Wannabe
PostMon Mar 10, 2008 12:18 pm 
Sure wish we could have hopped inside that tower! I tried to take the same photo as our trip last summer for comparison. The scramble trail heading down the dirt isn't the route we took and would be downright dangerous to attempt that approach with the snow.
Red Top in winter
Red Top in winter
Red Top in summer
Red Top in summer

Back to top Reply to topic Reply with quote Send private message
Middle E
no more moustache



Joined: 10 Feb 2008
Posts: 432 | TRs | Pics
Location: Seattle, WA
Middle E
no more moustache
PostMon Mar 10, 2008 1:16 pm 
Opus wrote:
Sure wish we could have hopped inside that tower! I tried to take the same photo as our trip last summer for comparison. The scramble trail heading down the dirt isn't the route we took and would be downright dangerous to attempt that approach with the snow.
That's a really great comparison! Just goes to show that sometimes winter can make things easier...and sometimes harder.

pithy yet insightful signature
Back to top Reply to topic Reply with quote Send private message
JimK
Member



Joined: 07 Feb 2002
Posts: 5606 | TRs | Pics
Location: Ballard
JimK
Member
PostTue Mar 11, 2008 9:17 pm 
Photos have been added to my report near the top of this page.

Back to top Reply to topic Reply with quote Send private message
TrailPair
Member
Member


Joined: 17 Apr 2005
Posts: 1699 | TRs | Pics
TrailPair
Member
PostWed Mar 12, 2008 11:51 am 
Nice photos Jim....This was one of the best snowshoe trips this year! up.gif

This thing called work is interfering with my play
Back to top Reply to topic Reply with quote Send private message
Matt
Tea, Earl Grey, Hot



Joined: 30 Jan 2007
Posts: 4307 | TRs | Pics
Location: Shoreline
Matt
Tea, Earl Grey, Hot
PostWed Mar 12, 2008 11:58 am 
Opus, I really appreciate the comparison photo for summer that you added.

“As beacons mountains burned at evening.” J.R.R. Tolkien
Back to top Reply to topic Reply with quote Send private message
MLHSN
What goes here?????



Joined: 09 Sep 2007
Posts: 1067 | TRs | Pics
Location: Wenatchee
MLHSN
What goes here?????
PostSun Apr 06, 2008 9:40 pm 
I planned on doing either miller or Iron mountain today but got a late start which put those two out of reach. We decided to go up Red Top at the last moment, so I took a quick look at a green trails map and started heading up. Upon viewing the lookout at a distance, and being a 1/2 hour past my turnaround time, we headed back. It looked impassable from a distance. I'm kicking myself for not doing any prior research. It was a spur of the moment sort of thing. Wish I would have read through a couple of trip reports before leaving. We were so close. I should have spared the time to take a closer look at the lookout. We ended up getting down in half the time so we had time to spare.

Back to top Reply to topic Reply with quote Send private message
   All times are GMT - 8 Hours
 Reply to topic
Forum Index > Trip Reports > Red Top Lookout - FANTASTIC! March 7, 2008
  Happy Birthday noahk!
Jump to:   
Search this topic:

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