[lopper]

From the 1935 Snoqualmie Nat'l Forest Map -- F.A. Silcox Forester Sunset Lk was depicted as Howard Lake. (odd, since it doesn't drain into Howard Creek) A trail is shown to the lake via the Trout Creek drainage. Nothing is shown going over the hill from Eagle. Aldo Leopold quote: "Of what avail are forty freedoms without a blank spot on the map?" Best of luck on your quest.

HowardLk

[Hulksmash]

A trail up Trout Creek to Sunset lake makes sense. Why wouldn't there be considering the lake was had a dam, and a wooden pen stock pipe was run all the way from Sunset Lake to the Sunset mine. Problem is all that remains is some random rusty iron spirals in the woods, and an occasional stone pile used to support the pipe. Of course not many traces of trail. Here's one. This is laying in the brush below Merchant peak near Trout Creek.

artifact

I found it cause i tripped on it. There is no trace of any road, or trail any where near it. Almost as if it fell out of the sky. I know better. Had to have been hauled in by mule team.

[Sky Hiker]

Prepare for crummy weather if you are not going in until Sept 24th. That time of the year that backside of Townsend never dries out so an extra change of clothes is a good idea. 3/4 of Simms is surrounded by huckleberry brush so the best spot to hang out at is the outlet. this where you will find the plaque.

[Joey]

This thread is begging for a current topo map. To see the map full screen click Actions ==> Full screen To see the aerial with labels click MyTopo ==> Hybrid View larger size in new window

[Sky Hiker]

doesnt show.

[Mountain Mojo]

Looks like the thread on this one is still going! Great! We need to get a good topo of the area (not from the internet) what is the map section? And, yes, we are expecting the very good possibility that we will have rain, We are prepared for that.

[Joey]

[Mountain Mojo]

What are the opinions concerning the best place to get a good topo map of this area? I dont have a physical paper map in my hands yet.... i will want one, of course, before we head up.

[Tom]

Can't you see the topo map Joey posted? That is the 24K USGS quad which is pretty much the best thing out there for navigating off trail in the cascades. Just print it, or click on the mytopo.com link to order one printed.

[Backpacker Joe]

That or visit an REI and use their custom map machine. You can orient the map exactly how you want it and then print it there. 9.95 each. Issaquah REI doesnt have a map machine.... Dang it.

[Anna Mae]

BPJ's got a point. If you go someplace like Metsker Maps in downtown Seattle, you'll need four USGS topo maps to plan your route and see what your options are. Anna Mae

[Joey]

[Mountain Mojo]

LOL ... i just breezed over the map post, didn't realize it was an interactive map from the forum .... i now have the topo maps i need....i just imported it all to a file and printed a couple different ones out on matt finish photo paper and laminated them.....

[Mountain Mojo]

Just a quik update. We lost 3 party members (Work and injury) so we have posponed the Sunset Lake Hike till next year. However. The two of us that remained still wanted to hike so we went to Pete lake out near Roslyn. Pretty easy hike, but certainly gorgeous this time of year. only 3 hours to get to the lake from the trailhead and little elevation, so more of a beginner hike . I'll post some pics later.

[Sky Hiker]

Yea a smart idea to wait until next summer!! That way you can plan a little better.