[meck]

I was looking for an afternoon hike with some interesting views, so I chose to visit Mt Tebo again (SE of the Staircase region). The hike up the road from the Dry Creek West TH was pleasant. I encountered a few other folks out spending a sunny afternoon in the mtns.

new SNOTEL site

The more I hike them, the more I love old abandoned FSRs... at least until they are too overgrown to saunter along.

Rainier in the distance

Mountain Ash(?) along the road

The climbing route leaves the road end and ascends the steep ridge. Climbing with all fours is required in places.

when in doubt the route sticks to the west side.

... otherwise it usually follows the ridge

it drops down to a small shelf (with good berries) for a while

it then reaches a meadow, turn upward and go around this meadow/clearing, left or right, but know that you will mainly want to hang to the right of it (south edge) above as you climb

looking up the first clearing

keep going up through very steep and slick forest duff until you reach a big rock block, hang to the right and go around it, the real summit block is a few dozen yards ahead

loking up the steep, actual summit block. This is an all-fours, don't slip, clamber

The summit breeze was quite cool. I reviewed the summit register (~2-3 parties visit a year), had a snack, and enjoyed the brooding feel of the incoming cloud deck.

view back down the general direction I climbed from

1 label

looking NW

looking NW

4 labels

Skokomish and the Sawtooth Ridge

4 labels

Washington and Ellinor

I picked berries on my way back down the steep wooded slopes. It is always a relief to reach the old FSR for the final march back to the car. I could feel the light drops of rain as I ambled back down the road. I headed for home just after sundown.

Mt St Helens in the distance (now visible due to the change in lighting)

Mt Adams now visible on the horizon as well

My haul of huckleberries

[IanB]

Nice timing! Getting back to the car at dusk with warm summer rain just beginning... Such a perfect way to end an afternoon ramble.

[meck]

Thanks IanB, yeah I agree the light rain felt quite refreshing (I was almost hoping for a downpour... in a few more weeks I'm sure that wish will be granted and then some).

[kitya]

yes, mountain ash! tasty in winter!