[chiwakum]

The original plan was to walk in camp with GoodAg at end of Icicle Rd and day hike but GoodAg was not able to make it. I opted for a solo hike to Lake Edna to because I haven't been there since a thru hike via S Fork Chiwaukum/Cape Horn 4 July 2005. I headed up Chatter Ck trail Saturday the 3rd in gorgeous weather. The trail is in excellent shape but there is some moderately steep snow on south side of Grindstone shoulder/pass.

First beer of the day

Snow on south side of Grindstone

As usual for this time of year, lots of snow on north side of shoulder but snow is very well consolidated. The snow is much easier to travel over than the boulder field that will be exposed over the next few weeks. Apart from a party of two day hiking up from the hanging basin I had the entire area to myself after they turned around at Edna.

Cape Horn, Edna is tucked away in a basin to the right of cape

Index Drainage

Cape Horn

Glissade

cornice looks vaguely aquatic

As expected, Edna was mostly frozen over.

Lake Edna

Cape Horn

Cape Horn

Lake Edna

Lake Edna

After finding a place to lay my bivy I headed up the ridge adjacent to Cape Horn and above Edna for some views (and cell coverage). spot checks with SPOT: camp location great views from here

Enchantments

Cape Horn

Cape Horn and Ladies Pass

Chiwaukum Mtns

Chiwaukum Drainage, Lks Flora and Brigham, Snowgrass

ptarmigan

After finally tearing myself away from the spectacular views I headed back to camp and enjoyed a fun glissade on the way down. It was a gorgeous quiet evening.

2nd beer of the day

3rd beer of the day

New Bivy

A beautiful star filled Saturday night turned into a quickly deteriorating Sunday. I lingered until midmorning hoping the weather would improve but by the time I started heading home things were completely socked in. This area is extremely difficult to navigate in poor weather if you are not familiar with the terrain. At this time of year there is not a trail and you need to carefully keep your bearings or you'll miss the narrow notch over Grindstone shoulder needed to get back to chatter creek trail.

Lake Edna

Watermelon snow

worsening visibility

which way is up

glad I've been here before

Grindstone shoulder

where was I

Summary: A beautiful area and its a great time of year to visit for solitude. But be prepared for possible poor visibility and significant snow travel. Bugs: None Lessons learned: Flimsy day hiker boots actually work very well for a short trip like this with good snow conditions (my backpacking boots are being repaired this week) as long you don't mind soggy feet. Notes to self: fix BA pad new strap for altimeter need better wind protect for stove

[Type E]

Thanks for posting this report, now I know for sure what to expect o. Tuesday E

[rbuzby]

Nice pics! Saturday was a great day on the Icicle. It cleared up and got all sunny, with clouds stuck on the crest all day. We were looking at Grindstone from 4th of July lookout. This week is going to be SUMMER up there for real. Upper 90's in L-worth.

[chiwakum]