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Trip Report    

Alpine Scramble - Low Mountain (winter)

When the forecast is for rain, snow, and wind, this seemed like a good alternative: a low elevation scramble that is mostly on trail and mostly in the protected forest.

  • Road suitable for all vehicles

The trail up to Melakwa Pass was in fine shape. Lots of brush bashing, boulder hoping, and veggie belays after that. Two inches of fresh snow made the final 60 vertical feet too risky, so we turned around just short of the summit.  Despite the persistent cold rain and snow showers, we had a great time. The fall foliage was gorgeous, the companionship superb, and the terrain interesting.  We topped it off with a fabulous Thai meal in Issaquah (at the Thai Noodle Boat). Having now reached the false summits on both side of the real summit, I vow to return next summer and try again!