Trip Details:
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Arrive trailhead |
08:40AM |
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Start hiking |
08:50AM |
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Memorial |
10:17AM |
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North West trail (see peak) |
10:48AM |
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Summit |
11:30AM |
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Leave Summit |
12:05PM |
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Memorial |
12:55PM |
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Car |
02:11PM |
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Snow |
All gone. |
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Bugs |
None even seen before about 4200 feet. A few flying around but not annoying/no bites. I did rub on the sunscreen/non deet bug stuff before starting up. I doubt it was really needed (the bug part) |
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Weather |
Pleasant. Nice not too hot August day. Nice breeze on summit kept it comfortable/helped keep any bugs that might be around less of a factor. |
| Crowds | Cast of thousands. Only a handfull in summit area when I arrived. I counted at least two dozen when I headed down with a few more behind rocks and such. Saw a steady stream coming up as I was descending. It was about to get even more crowded up there if people didn't start heading down. |
| Scenic Value | One of my favorite hikes. Pretty much an annual trip.The only reason not perfect is trees do block views a fair amount to the south when actually sitting ont he summit. You can walk to the east or west and see around these trees. This is a great fall hike, which I may return for in early October. |
| Difficulty | This is a 100% trail hike. You will gain the elevation and the lower part is mostly a mole stroll in the trees with endless switchbacks but technically nothing to deal with. Now if you go when there is still snow around, I can't say. I've been warned this can be a dangerous place with snow in a few spots. |
Narrative:
Well the decision again was made to leave the I-90 corridor. The annual trek up Dickerman. Always a favorite. Left home shortly before 7AM with the original intention of hiking by 8AM. Well that didn't quite work out, but ended up hiking by 08:50 after the 81 mile drive etc.
Parking lot was pretty sparse, but people seemingly kept arriving as I was getting ready. A couple of parties left while I was in the parking lot.
The first quarter miles is kind of a warm up before the switchbacks start for the next two miles plus which are basically a mole stroll. A few sneak peaks out towards Big 4 as the relentless (but non overly steep) switchback proceed up through the trees.
Finally reaching an avalanche area with the best views so far.
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At about the 4350 foot level the creek is crossed (no bridge, but not difficult), and on the other side is the Dale Godsey memorial. Apparently a winter 1996 accident claimed his life.
A bit further up it opens up more in semi meadows.
As you round the Northwest most point on the trail you can see the imposing summit. Don't worry, the route up is harmless as you traverse east and south to go up the easy back slopes.
Once you round the south side you get the best views in that direction (even better than summit which are partially blocked by some trees).
Up some more meadows with nice views back to the south before reaching the summit.
Soon enough the summit is reached. Views are incredible.
It was getting crowded and time to head back rather uneventfully as the crowds continued to stream up the mountain.
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Last Updated 08/25/2008
