[dicey]

I have not been out snowshoeing since Yana, JoshW. and I did Goat Mtn. back on Dec. 5th.  I've been spending a lot of time on skis in the backcountry and at Stevens, so felt it was time for a little slowshoe action.

Of course, the promise of blue skies made the decision to get out a no brainer!

Gabriel suggested the Eaglet (Pt.3802), and I was game.  Wait, 3802??  That's pretty low elevation!  I was promised good views so I'm in.

Left Seattle at 6am (to beat the traffic), and rolled into the Heather Lake TH around 7:45.  The mountain Loop was icy and snowy so we took it easy.  I've never been to Heather Lake (and I still haven't), so this was a new area for me.  We hiked up the trail to the last switchback, then headed off trail up the ridge.  There was an inch or so of snow the whole way up the trail and up the beginning of the ridge (1950ft).

The ridge is sorta steep and brushy with blow downs but not too bad.  The forest gets more open and the angle more moderate the higher you go.  We put on snowshoes around 3100ft and followed the ridge to the summit.  Gets a little steep towards the top, but the views take your mind off of ...well...everything!

This little peak is a gem for views due to it's location and I recommend it to anyone looking for a short trip with a great payoff, plus the trail is now broken to the top, so less work for you!

A couple of guys were coming up in our tracks when we were descending, which was a surprise to see anyone on this somewhat obscure peak.

Anyway, no problems descending, back to the car by 1:15

Stats:
about 4.5 miles RT
about 2500ft gain
5hrs 15 minutes RT at a leisurely  pace with 20+min on top



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I'm not always sure I like being older but being less stupid has advantages.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/32121172@N00/sets/

[Layback]

So is this a point on Pilchuck?  Interesting...  Thanks for theTR.   

[faelynn]

  OMG she wrote a tr!!!  Happy NEW YEAR! 

[Snowdog]

sounds perfect! 

(I too have been spending alot of time with boards strapped to my feet- it's been epic!)

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'we don't have time for a shortcut'

[dicey]

[daffish]

The Eaglet 
Enjoyed your pictures. This is a fun, short winter scramble.

On the way up (shown on the map you linked to, at about where the pin with the number '1') is the largest blowdown I have ever seen. Remember the gigantic cedar stumps along the beginning of the trail? Now imagine that size of trunk laying uncut along the ground. I am sure it is over 10' in diameter near the base. 



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"Be moderate in everything, including moderation"     Horace Porter

[the Zachster]

Thanks for the report!   Always nice to add another new peak to the to-do list!

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"May I always be the kind of person my dog thinks I am"

[Gamuru]

I was thinking of going after Heather Lake on Sunday, but I may do this instead. Thanks for sharing the great pics!

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Don

"The definition of a mine is a hole in the ground that belongs to a liar."
~Mark Twain