Tumtum Peak (winter)
Sat, Jan 16, 2021
Brought snowshoes. Didn't use them. Could've used some microtraction or an ice axe though! Complete snow cover started around 4200'.
Brought snowshoes. Didn't use them. Could've used some microtraction or an ice axe though! Complete snow cover started around 4200'.
Cross Country Ski up Sun Mountain's Thompson Ridge Trail for a great ski workout, low crowds, wonderful views, and to practice your downhill skills on the long descent.
A 15 km loop out of the town "ice rink" trailhead, with very nice variety and views. Strong intermediate skill required for several short, very steep hills. (This report is for a ski we actually did on Jan 15, when we had to change the destination due to conditions.) At 9:00 a.m. it was 19 degrees and was 31 degrees by 2:00 pm.
This trail is pretty much a creek bed right now.
Repeat tour still found enjoyable skiing.
Better than expected snow condtions resulted in enjoyable skiing.
We paddled approximately 11 miles from Luhr's Beach toward Johnson Pt and then crossed to Devil's Head for lunch. Afterwards we paddled to Treble Pt and Lyle Pt before returning to Luhr's Beach.
We left the trailhead at 8:30am. Yesterday it rained alot. After the switchbacks there was water cascading over rocks all over this area to the Big Hump. The trail had full streams in some places. Very large puddles 4-5 strides were common. On this day we had to throw rocks into many downhill streams (4?5?) in order to keep our boots dry during crossing. There were many many trees over the trail that we climbed/squeezed under, or climbed/slid over. I enjoyed the hike, like an obstacle course. We say approx 8 people on the way out, some with dogs. The weather was light rain in the first hour, that cleared. Once over the pass/saddle it was darker, cooler, with mist in the air, you could see the clouds coming up the pass from the other side. We did not make it to the camp ground- there was a narrow fast running stream with jaggedy rocks, approx 2-3 miles west, from pass/saddle. we had gone a total of 10.75 miles and returned by 3pm. The views of the Brothers were amazing, the valleys were beautiful. I can't wait to go back in the winter and the summer. Definately consider the gain when considering companions on this hike.
We successfully hiked to the summit , and had limited views . The rain came when we had gone over half way down.
Five of us had a conditioning paddle around Mercer Island in rain and then clearing skies.
It was a wonderful windy day full of views of the turbulent Deception Pass, San Juan Islands, Cornet Bay, and big waves on the Straits of Juan de Fuca. Caught site of several eagles soring above the trees.
Really great trip, great loop to the top of goose rock and down to north beach. Great hike leaders, great way to kick of the new year!
Good snowshoeing was found for the last ~1000 feet to the lookout. Crusty snow on the road from 2800' up.
Found decent weather window for a final scramble in 2020. Challenging physically demanding trip.
This is a low logistics, easy launch urban paddle. Ample parking is available for an early morning launch.
Loop scramble of Washington, Greenway, and Change peaks.
