[RichP]

Taking advantage of my rec card for the Yakima Training Center I returned for a couple more high points in the area. I was shut out of my original destination on the base due to closure of the area but had these as a back up. These two summits are located not far from I-90 in the northern part of the YTC. I drove 25 miles from the main gate in Selah, staying left (north) at a T intersection at the end of the pavement, to a 2900' pass between The Boylston and Saddle Mtns. I parked just east of a pond and white water tank on the road that goes to the ridge top of Boylston. In summer this might be drivable but it's quite muddy now and this is no place to get stuck. I walked 600' to the top of the ridge and turned west going over a few lesser points before reaching the summit.

Parking at the dirt road that goes to the ridge top.

A 600' climb leads to the ridge.

Views from the top of the ridge toward the Columbia River.

Whiskey Dick Mtn across the valley.

Boylston Mtns Highpoint.

Ridge Road.

Boylston Mtns Summit.

Summit, 3630.'

Upper Badger Pocket.

Looking east from the summit.

Baldy and Ranier in the clouds.

On the way down I took a beeline back to the car crossing over a couple of drainages.

Saddle Mtns on the way down.

4.2 miles and 1200' of gain. I then drove 1.5 miles further east and parked at about 2450' just past the crossing of Foster Ck. There are several grassy ribs that can be hiked to get near the high point of Saddle Mtns. I took one up and came down another for a loop.

Heading up to Saddle Mtns.

Boylston Mtns while ascending Saddle Mtns.

The top is still a ways off.

Mobile weather station.

Summit, 3740.'

Looking toward the eastern section of the Saddle Mtns.

Several of these wind breaks are on the summit area.

4 miles and 1500' of gain.

[neek]

Glad to see you getting out so soon after the traumatic experience with Bootpathguy.