[Gimpilator]

After the Dirtyface experience, I wanted to take Frances on an enjoyable trip. Chandler suggested Trappers, which would be perfect for the occasion. It had been 9 years since I did Trappers and X with Bryan K. Trappers Peak – 5966’ We hiked the old road and then pleasant Thornton Lakes trail up to the junction with the Trappers Peak boot path. Minor snow patches. Lingering clouds obscured views, even on the summit. A part of 3 had spent the night there. I suggested we explore the conditions on the ridge to X Mountain.

Trappers summit

Southern Pickets

X and Despair

X Mountain – 5960’ The drop down spot was steeper than I remembered. It seems the foot steps through the heather have become less distinct, but my memory could be flawed. Once we were down on the ridge, the traverse was fun and scenic.

lower Thornton Lake

Trappers

Last time, after the trip was over, John Roper mentioned a quartz vein X near the summit, the namesake feature. I had missed it before, but was determined to see it this time. Sure enough, it was right next to the summit.

the summit X

Lindeman, Whatcom, Challenger

Thornton

Triumph

Despair

Glee

Needle and Horseman's Pack

upper Thornton Lake

X summit

Trapezoid, Big Devil

Davis and Jack

Crater and Ruby

Trappers and X is perhaps one of 3 hikes in the north cascades, of which the reward is at least double the effort required. When we returned to Trappers summit, we ran into Lowell Skoog and his friend Nancy. It was a strange coincidence since I had mentioned him and his involvement in preserving summit registers, just a few hours earlier.

Skoog!

During the descent we stopped to soak our feet in a creek and we noticed a tiny frog, about an inch long.

[Fletcher]

You..... repeated.... a peak? You must really like this girl.

[Gimpilator]

Yep