[EastKing]

For more details about the trip, check out Josh's report Trip Stats 11.2 miles roundtrip Elevation Gain 2856 feet Time Up: 2 1/2 hours Time Down: 2 hours Time on summit 1 1/2 hours Well it was another surprising day in the Cascades. Due to my hurt back from work, Quetzal Curttissimo, Josh Lewis and I decided to do the long but easier Norse Peak over Jolly Mountain. Though we thought Norse Peak was going to be easier we didn't know that there was going to be very little snow on the mountain. We all brought up all of our winter gear only to find out that there was very little snow. In fact there was only one small section in which Josh and I needed our ice axes just above the saddle and that was it (no snowhoes needed). For those of you that don't know, Norse Peak located right next to Crystal Mountain is longer (11.2 miles roundtrip), but much more gradual (2856 feet) then most of the standard Cascade hikes and climbs. It is a complete walkup and is home to a ton of switchbacks. There is a one section at the very top in which you can either choose the trail or a beautiful ridgewalk (Class 2). We choose the ridgewalk which had some of the best views of the day. Overall it was a great trip with another strong group of hikers.

EastKing and Rainier

Man of the Mountains

Rainier again

Adams!

Crystal Mountain

Ranier Again

More Norse Peak views

Curt on the ridge

Looking down from the ridge

Norse Peak summit

Hi Rainier!

[raising3hikers]

Way to knock out another peak Another mountain with little snow

[seattlehikertoo]

It doesn't surprise me that there is no snow there. Crystal and Norse are in a mini-rainshadow caused mainly by Tahoma, and much of the precip has been north. Much of the snow from Nov is gone from the pineapple express over the last 3 days. I believe Crystal "only" gets about 350 inches of snow per year - less than Snoqualmie Pass, which is 1500 feet lower. Great hike though

[Magellan]

Good stuff Don Goyo. Seeya on the trail soon!

[Curtissimo]

hola don goyo, that pic from josh is an all time classic! maybe even worthy of your new avatar? i think our actual R/T mileage was 10 miles with appr. the same elevation gain you list, since we started .75 miles up the trail off the spur road at the higher trailhead. great trip thanks for putting up with me and for filing the report. curt

[Josh Journey]

[EastKing]