|
HIKE |
Red Mountain |
|
ROUTE |
Normal route |
|
DATE |
07/20/2006 |
|
ATTENDEES |
Chris M, Chris S, Craig, Damon and Mark. |
|
NOTES |
xxx |
PHOTOS
Photo credits: Chris S.
TRAIL REPORT
Hello, TNAB'ers:
It was a very warm evening at Snoqualmie Pass, under slightly hazy skies, that we started the hike up Commonwealth Basin to Red Mountain. Our number was five: Chris M, Chris S, Craig (welcome back!), Damon, and Yours Truly. We set out shortly after 6:00 PM.
Luckily, the first part of the hike was mostly in the shadow of Snoqualmie Mountain, bringing the heat index down a bit. Early on, Guye Peak loomed over us from the west. On the trail, stream crossings make Commonwealth Basin an interesting hike.
We followed the trail northward, then switched up to the pass between Lundin and Red. There, we broke to the right to begin the ascent of Red. As always, there was an abundance of loose rock. Here, TNAB = "Trundle Not Amigos Below". Halfway up, I take a scramble route and inadvertently succumb to Trundle Syndrome - sorry! :)
As we neared the summit, we met up with another hiker out for the evening. Shortly thereafter, a large mountain goat is spotted off to our left, enjoying dinner al fresco. Our presence must have spoiled the goat's appetite, since he didn't stick around long.
We summit just past 8 PM. On top, we take in the views, swat bugs, and chat with the other hiker, Jonathan. Turns out, Jonathan posts to nwhikers.net under the nom d'montagne "Foist". (http://www.nwhikers.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=15394) Cool! After 20 minutes or so, we begin the slow, careful descent off of Red. We successfully "trundle not".
Jonathan joins us on the way out, and TNAB absorbs a new member. In the basin, we pass a campsite. It's fully loaded, including a very angry canine trapped inside the tent. We move quickly, not wishing to test Fido's resolve. A bid to exit sans headlamp failed about 15 minutes out. We were back to the parking lot by 10:30 PM. Great Hike!
Next Hike: Mt Kent (tentatively). This may change, but I hope not!
Cheers,
-Mark