Trip Report
Winter Scramble - Bootalicous Peak
Lovely unmaintained trail for much of the route followed by a road walk with views and a short ridge bushwhack to a summit with limited views. A nice change of pace for a scramble near Seattle.
Susan Shih
- Sun, Feb 15, 2026
- Winter Scramble - Moolock Mountain
- Bessemer & Moolock Mountains
- Scrambling
- Successful
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- Road suitable for all vehicles
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Parking is very limited at the Bessemer Mountain TH so carpooling is highly encouraged. No toilets available and a Discover Pass is required for parking.
We had recent snow which made this trip a bit more difficult, but otherwise it was fairly easy and straightforward except for the short 1/3 mile bushwhack from the end of the road to the summit.
Our group of 10 started down the Bessemer Road around 8:50am. The road walk was easy and pleasant. About 1.25miles from the trailhead we left the road to the left and crossed Big Blowout Creek on a bridge. From there, we were on a lovely unmaintained/mountain bike trail which was new for me. 
We passed by several jumps and garden tools which were used to create the jumps, I assume. Around 3400' we started encountering snow. Many of us put on Microspikes here due to lots of exposed wet wood. (photo courtesy of Greg H) 
We popped out of the woods when we reached MF-225 Rd (about 2.85 miles from the start of the trail) and had some nice views. The recent snow made the views even prettier.
We continued on the road (about .65miles) to its end. Looking back.
Looking forward at Bootalicious Peak. (photo courtesy of Greg H) 
Road's end and the start of the heavily forested ridge.
On with the rain jackets in preparation to battle the snow laden trees and brush.
From the base of the ridge, we got stunning views of SMC Lake, Lake Nadeau and Lake Moolock to the west. 
The bushwhacking begins. (photo courtesy of Greg H) 
The sketchiest part of the day was crossing the snow laden boulders that were right before the summit. Thankful it was very short.
No photos from the summit since there were basically no views. The 10 of us crowded together to have lunch and then headed down. Descending a more clear section of the ridge.
Once back on the road, we took our group photo before continuing to the trailhead.
One more group photo with the Tramp Stamp sign. This must relate to the peak's name.
A dramatic view of Russian Butte as we walk the Bessemer Road again.
Despite a lackluster peak, it was such a fun day with this group of adventurous Mountaineers.
My Gaia read about 10miles/3700' gain - 8hrs car to car at a fairly leisurely pace.