Winter Scramble - Mount Baldy & Domerie Peak

Trip Report

Mount Baldy and Domerie Peak

We started at 7:45 AM at the trailhead, where the road was closed by a snow berm. There were multiple signs stating “no motorized vehicles allowed” and “no trespassing,” along with two active cameras monitoring the area. On the return, we observed multiple cars and ATVs driving past the snow berm on the dry section of road beyond the closure.

The road walk from the parking spot to the Easton Ridge trailhead was approximately 1.5 miles. The road was mostly dry, or had dry patches, which made travel easier with approach shoes.

(picture above - road conditions)

(picture above - bridge crossing conditions)

The bridge crossing the creek was solid. From there, we began gaining approximately 1,000 feet to the first notch. This section was mostly snow-free or had inconsistent snow coverage up to around 3,000 feet, after which snow became continuous. At approximately 3,500 feet, we veered left to remain on the Domerie Peak trail rather than taking the Easton Ridge trail. Around 3,600 feet at a viewpoint, two of us who had started in approach shoes changed into mountaineering boots.

(picture above - lower elevation snow conditions)

(picture above - trail junction to Easton Ridge trail at 3500 feet where you turn left)

(picture above - view point at 3600 feet)

From there, we gained approximately 1,300 feet through forested terrain to Para Point. Snow conditions were primarily wind-blown, ranging from 2–3 inches to about one foot in depth. We were able to ascend the steeper sections without using snowshoes and reached Para Point at approximately 5,000 feet.

(picture above - the final push to para point and as we get above trees)

(picture above - wind blown snow conditions at 4500 feet +)

At Para Point, we took a short break, switched into snowshoes, and continued along the ridge toward Mount Baldy.

[Photo: Ridge toward Mount Baldy]

Views included Mount Rainier on one side and Mount Daniel, Mount Hinman, Mount Stuart, and the Enchantments on the other, with Cle Elum Lake visible below.

[Photo: Summit views of Rainier]

[Photo: Summit views of Stuart and Enchantments]

[Photo: Summit views of Cle Elum Lake]

At Mount Baldy, the rest of the group remained at the summit to have lunch and enjoy the views while I continued toward Domerie Peak. The route to Mount Baldy had visible tracks from previous parties. Beyond Mount Baldy toward Domerie Peak, snow conditions consisted mostly of deeper wind-blown snow.

From Mount Baldy, I descended approximately 500 feet to around 4,600 feet before regaining elevation to approximately 4,800 feet at Domerie Peak. There was one rocky section to navigate, but it was not technical. The final section approaching Domerie Peak followed a narrow ridge with deep powder.

[Photo: Ridge to Domerie Peak]

[Photo: Domerie Peak from Mount Baldy]

I returned to Mount Baldy, where the group had waited approximately 45 minutes. We then retraced our route back without incident. During the road walk back, we again encountered multiple cars and ATVs driving the road despite posted signs prohibiting motorized access.

We returned to the cars at approximately 3:30 PM and arrived back home around 5:15 PM.

Map