[Kenji]

I was all set to go skiing on this sunny weekend, but had to make a last minute change after finding an active Aurora forecast. Of course, it's always just a forecast, but I can't ignore when clear night is predicted. Anyway, I decided to check out Cougar Divide, which had been open this summer after needing some repair for many years. Also, it's used to close Nov-Jul for wild life protection and this was the last weekend, possibly. Anyway, the road was in good shape except the snow! Baker must have got more snow than rain last week, the last 2 miles was mess. My little fwd Niro got stuck three times, ended up parking about a mile from the TH. Thanks for those hunters giving me a push, also a good timing to have snow tires and a shovel. Of course I wasn't quite prepared for hiking in deep snow, 6~10", wished having skis! There was a ski track all the way mostly following the trail, pretty impressive navigation through many downed trees. The track was a day old and packed just enough for me to hike w/o too much effort. It took me 3 hours to cover 3 miles.

The skier did a short run in the open then turned around. Originally I was thinking of getting up on Chowder Ridge, but the snow was too deep in the upper slopes. The divide has a nice 360 view and was great for star gazing. However, Aurora never showed up and I didn't get much sleep. I really wished for my skis, would have enjoyed the powdery slopes at least...

maybe Aurora, 300mi North?

Orion rising

Skyline Divide

Skyline Divide

Stopped at Nooksack Falls on my way out. I had never seen it before, found it pretty interesting.

[fourteen410]

Nice! I saw your car parked when I drove up the road Saturday. Made it to the very last switchback before the trailhead when snow stopped me. Beautiful area, even the road has some stellar views.

[Tom]

[Kenji]