OverviewThe main route starts at the end of the Sunshine Mine road (2100'). There's a pull-out along the road with some pretty good views of Sperry and Morning Star. Most folks coming to this area are looking to get up Vesper. I haven't seen too many trip reports on Morning Star.
The first part of the trail is wooded and easy to follow. There is one place that it crosses the south fork of the Stillaguamish that may be a bit difficult depending on the time of year. The water was running low both times I was in the area so it was easy crossing. Large logs.
Further along you'll enter the lower Wirtz Basin and if there in season the huckleberries and salmon berries are plentiful. Up to this point the trail and elevation gain is moderate. At Headlee Pass that changes.
When it's snow filled and icey take caution. The Pass tops out at 4600' and Vesper Peak comes into view.
The trail will take you to an outlet of a nice little lake that everyone calls Vesper Lake.
From there you stay on the east side of the lake and gain the saddle between Sperry and Vesper. The saddle tops out around 5300'. Not much of a path going up through the choss but once on the southwest slope of Sperry there is an easy to follow trail. This is where a little fun scrambling starts. There are a couple spot with a little exposure but not bad.
Fred Beckey ( Cascade Alpine Guide 2 ) describes several routes up Sperry ranging from class 2 thru 4. He classes this route as a class 2.
Peggy Goldman ( 75 Scrambles in Washington ) has a Sperry-Vesper route.
Please note that this is a new page. As time permits I will be adding more info and pictures.Getting ThereFrom Seattle take I-5 North to Exit 194. Follow Highway 2 East for 2.3 miles, stay in left lane, go to Lake Stevens Highway 204 East, in 2.2 miles take left (north) on Highway 9 to Lake Stevens, in 1.7 miles take right (east) on Highway 92 to Granite Falls, in 8.4 miles turn left (north) to Mountain Loop Highway. Follow for about 30 miles to the Sunrise Mine Road on the right. Road dead ends in about 1 mile where parking is limited to one side of the road. Leave room for others to turn around.
Red TapeNW Forest Pass required at trailhead.
CampingI've seen folks camping at the lake and read trip reports also on same. There are some nice flat slabs of granite that I think would be great for just that. But please remember to do your part in preserving this beautiful area LEAVE NO TRACE.
Contact the Verlot Ranger Station for more info.
External Linkshttp://www.alpenthyme.org/alp/sperry-vesper/sperry-vesper.htm http://www.mountainzone.com/weekendjournal/html/sperry.html http://www.topozone.com/map.asp?lat=48.01611&lon=-121.50056 Images
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