[flatsqwerl]

We approached this trip from the Taylor river trail. Leaving the trail right at Big creek, we headed up, following Big creek, into the grunt of brush, duff and junk people leave on this trail towards Dream lake. We packed out a few items cast off by people wanting to lighten their packs...but there is much more to pack out. Weather was perfect...no bugs hardly. Fish frolicking. Robins and other chirpers were abundant. On the second day I headed to Cascade mnt and the high tarns for a day trip. I chose to ascend the forested rib that was left of the watery/cliffy ravines that line the west side of Dream lake. The traverse east from 4800-5000 was a smooth way to cross right over to Smith lake. I took the west ridge to almost the summit, but hopped over to the SE ridge at the last 100 feet or so to avoid some slabs. The register was very wet.

Dream lake

From Smith lake looking back at traverse

Smith tarnlet

Smith tarnlet

Pleasantness

Below Cascade Mnt

Looking SE down Smith creek drainage

Summit Register

[MtnGoat]

Nice trip. Brush as bad as we hear? Any more shots of Dream itself?

[flatsqwerl]

Yes, the brush was thick and scratchy. We did this 10 years ago and it seemed harder this time...must be the age thing.

[Sky Hiker]

Been in there via Smith cr wouldn't advise it unless u like vine maple

[MtnGoat]

That must have been brutal. The W Fk Miller is a living hell of SA/VM once you leave the old road, and it's only one ridge W of Smith creek.

[Randy]

Cool spot. Was there in 2002 I believe. Pretty lonely up there, especially this time of year.

[Brushwork]

Ahhh, a brutal trip indeed. Some fine brush there..,,,,

[Brian Curtis]

[H. Hound]

Always wanted to visit Smith. Only got as far as Dream from the Taylor side, and Gouging from the West fork Miller.

[puzzlr]

You wouldn't believe how often I've "scouted" the route to Cascade Mountain via Google Earth. It looks way worse in your photos than the elevation-challenged Google Earth shows. I'm glad to hear it worked, but I'd like to see and read a lot more about it. Not only that, but just getting to Dream Lake itself. It's interesting that the last three parties to sign the register all took different routes - Via Anderson Lakes / Morpheus traverse (my party), Smith Creek (Leland Windham) and Dream Lake (you). The register was placed in 1995 and only 11 parties since then, excluding winter ascents or ones that don't sign.

[Sky Hiker]

[Brian Curtis]

[flatsqwerl]

Puzzlr, the brushiest/steepest/hardest part to Cascade mnt was leaving Dream lake heading up the forested rib as described in my original post. Once you hit 4,800-5,000 its nice easy talus and fun typical cross country stuff you would expect all the way to the summit.

[puzzlr]

Along with Brian, I'd love to hear more about the backstory of Smith Creek / Lake. It's a relatively generic name, but he must have been proud of it.