Dundeel - Jun 12, 2009 1:18 am Date Climbed: May 31, 2009
Plan B Tiffany
Original plan was to climb N. Gardner from Hwy 20, but Cedar Creek was raging more than I was willing to cross. Tiffany made an excellent alternate. Road was clear to Freezeout Pass and the ridge trail had only patches of snow left. I think the guy in the register was talking about his Wazoo hiking companion. I did see a cinnamon brown bear cub, but I think it was just a black bear color variation. Didn't stick around to see mom.
gimpilator - May 26, 2009 6:57 pm Date Climbed: May 25, 2009
East Ridge Variation
This one has been on my list for years since I camp near Conconully every memorial day weekend. I wanted to explore some old trails near Salmon Meadows. The East Ridge is a good choice during spring and winter before the snow has melted off the Freezout Ridge road. Near the summit I was sinking into the snow to my waist. In the summit log, a group of three claimed to have fought off an attacking cougar the day before. Not sure whether to believe this claim, and going solo, I was a little edgy on the descent.
Dean - Sep 4, 2007 12:54 am Date Climbed: Sep 1, 2007
Freezeout Pass trail
Hiked this one with Eric (see below) The views from Tiffany were outstanding in 360 degrees. This is one of Washington's prominence peaks, coming in at #64 with over 2700 feet of prominence. A dandy of a hike, worth the drive.
ericnoel - Sep 2, 2007 10:59 am Date Climbed: Sep 1, 2007
Freezeout Pass
A very easy and very scenic hike. This peak is high enough and isolated enough that you can see along a great length of the Cascades. The entire area was burned in a fire last year but it is still interesting walking through the charred forest and the upper slopes remain very pleasant meadows.
I'm not convinced this hike is in Central Washington, however rounded the peaks may be. The important part is good driving directions in the '100 hikes, North Cascades' book. The trailhead is about one hour from Winthrop proper. Another beautiful day in the Methow, despite the obvious fire on Sweetgrass Butte. Excellent views of the blaze from the top. This is a great family hike, or for those with less ambition. Clark Peak can be added via the Bernhardt Mine trail for a super, one-way, 11 mile, rodeo loop. That's cowboy talk meaning 'don't step in the horse fritters', of which there were a few old ones. No bears, and very few people out on my favorite countrys' birthday. Happy Independence Day. 6 miles R/T, 1750' gain, less than four casual hours away from the car.
Dundeel - Jun 12, 2009 1:18 am Date Climbed: May 31, 2009
Plan B TiffanyOriginal plan was to climb N. Gardner from Hwy 20, but Cedar Creek was raging more than I was willing to cross. Tiffany made an excellent alternate. Road was clear to Freezeout Pass and the ridge trail had only patches of snow left. I think the guy in the register was talking about his Wazoo hiking companion. I did see a cinnamon brown bear cub, but I think it was just a black bear color variation. Didn't stick around to see mom.
gimpilator - May 26, 2009 6:57 pm Date Climbed: May 25, 2009
East Ridge VariationThis one has been on my list for years since I camp near Conconully every memorial day weekend. I wanted to explore some old trails near Salmon Meadows. The East Ridge is a good choice during spring and winter before the snow has melted off the Freezout Ridge road. Near the summit I was sinking into the snow to my waist. In the summit log, a group of three claimed to have fought off an attacking cougar the day before. Not sure whether to believe this claim, and going solo, I was a little edgy on the descent.
Dean - Sep 4, 2007 12:54 am Date Climbed: Sep 1, 2007
Freezeout Pass trailHiked this one with Eric (see below) The views from Tiffany were outstanding in 360 degrees. This is one of Washington's prominence peaks, coming in at #64 with over 2700 feet of prominence. A dandy of a hike, worth the drive.
ericnoel - Sep 2, 2007 10:59 am Date Climbed: Sep 1, 2007
Freezeout PassA very easy and very scenic hike. This peak is high enough and isolated enough that you can see along a great length of the Cascades. The entire area was burned in a fire last year but it is still interesting walking through the charred forest and the upper slopes remain very pleasant meadows.
magellan - Oct 10, 2003 10:40 pm
Route Climbed: trail Date Climbed: July 4, 2003I'm not convinced this hike is in Central Washington, however rounded the peaks may be. The important part is good driving directions in the '100 hikes, North Cascades' book. The trailhead is about one hour from Winthrop proper. Another beautiful day in the Methow, despite the obvious fire on Sweetgrass Butte. Excellent views of the blaze from the top. This is a great family hike, or for those with less ambition. Clark Peak can be added via the Bernhardt Mine trail for a super, one-way, 11 mile, rodeo loop. That's cowboy talk meaning 'don't step in the horse fritters', of which there were a few old ones. No bears, and very few people out on my favorite countrys' birthday. Happy Independence Day. 6 miles R/T, 1750' gain, less than four casual hours away from the car.