Mark Scheffer
Scrambling
Successful
Intermediate Ice Climb of the French Slab route in the Ouray Backcountry
hike to a look out and breakfast. Day was very foggy so couldn't take advantage of the lookout. nicw walk thro the woods, lots of people out for a new years hike
The Olympia Mountaineers volunteered to clear a very popular local trail after December storms brought down trees and debris, making it difficult for hikers to enjoy.
Great mellow ski tour option. There are more trees/vegetation than it looks like on the satellite imagery but you can ski down the entire way on green/blue slopes except the last 100 feet to the summit which I booted down because I am still learning to ski. Low avalanche and tree well hazards compared to many other places that have semi-open slopes. https://www.peakbagger.com/climber/ascent.aspx?aid=2735718
A beautiful, partly sunny, uncrowded first hike of the year!
Beautiful sunny, dry, windless conditions for a New Year's Eve trip for a group of nine. Our route took us to Whittaker Peak, Shy Bear Pass, and Doughty Falls where we admired the new trail construction, stairs, railing, and bridge.
Great alternative trail to the Chirico trail if you are looking for more distance and an shallower ascent to Poo Poo Point.
The trail map is deceiving as many black trails are permanently closed or at least closed for the season. Conditions were good in the morning, then soft by noon, but better than Cabin Creek.
The wind, rain, and temperature made for an interesting trip
Copper Creek Hut is reached via a gentle uphill thru a lovely forest on now disused logging roads. No exposure to avalanche terrain; so, good choice when risky elsewhere.
A nice hike in the woods on a not-too-wet day!
Great time and place to practice self rescues and rolls. Everyone very helpful in getting kayaks in and out of pool building.
Lovely morning trail run. Trails at Saint Edwards are clear of downed trees except for a couple spots to go around.
Pleasant hike to Franklin falls in winter.
Not much for views, except the forest, but a great local short and moderately intense hike. Trail is easy to follow and in good shape. Signage in place and easy to follow.
Trail was mostly free and clear of fallen trees (except 2 places) and snow, the longest of which was across the short boulder field. Easily hikable without micro-spikes, but still a safe bet to bring them.
Nice run, lots of beautiful wildlife. Fun to challenge yourself on the hills. Andy (leader) is super knowledgeable about the area and history of the park; a great bonus.
As a bonus feature to a great morning run, we saw a flicker, several cormorants, a bald eagle, a piliated woodpecker, and four tundra swans.