Joshua Tree NP in the Winter

My daughter and I visited Joshua Tree NP a while ago in July, enduring temperatures over 100 degrees; no big surprise, this is a desert. On a recent visit, we returned to see what it was like this time of year (Nov-Dec) and explored areas of the park we hadn’t been before. The first day was in the mid 30s with strong winds, and the feeling was like a mid winter hike in the PNW….we enjoyed ourselves immensely but it was cold, cold, cold. The next day the winds abated and with higher temperatures more in the 40s to low 50s we were sometimes hiking in a single layer. Beautiful weather and, despite being there on a holiday weekend, we had plenty of time to ourselves wandering about; off trail travel, some mild bouldering and hiking into the sunset, just making it back to the vehicle before needing lamps. We both preferred these lower temperatures, especially because our water needs were vastly lower compared to summer. While I was processing photos I had a lot of macros, highlighting this aspect of the park….it’s not just about far vistas, there are delights that catch the eye both near and far. What impressed us the most on this particular visit was the stroll through the Teddy Bear Cholla nearer the southern part of the park, and our hike to the Lost Palms Oasis, an improbable place nestled in a gorge but obviously fed by a spring. On our return we took a loop to climb Mastodon Peak and were privy to an incredible sunset, constantly stopping to snap pix of the various iterations of a sky on fire. It was a privilege to wander one of our national treasures during this time of year; highly recommended. Complete photo set here

Lost Palms Oasis, Joshua Tree NP

Teddy Bear Cholla, Joshua Tree NP

Underlying structure of Teddy Bear Cholla

Zimmerbuilt Custom BigStep Pack Review

My life is about to change dramatically; I’m retiring in a few months. My wife and I are planning extensive travel right away. This means weeks and months “living out of a suitcase” as we spend time in various countries, having the flexibility to come and go as we please. Of course I’m planning on hiking and backpacking, not just because it’s what I do but because my poor spouse needs a break from me. Through all of this planning I need a basic, minimal kit that will see me through various climes and be able to handle anything I have in mind. I decided on a modified Zimmerbuilt BigStep to fill the bill, offering more internal volume (2400 ci) than the slighter QuickStep (1700 ci).

Electronics setup on BigStep pack straps

The BigStep looks pretty good right out of the box, but I needed a few modifications. The side pockets made of mesh weren’t going to hack it, because during bush whacking, branches and nubs are liable to tear mesh; solid side pockets of Dyneema help solve that problem • I sometimes carry a tripod or pole(s) so I needed side compression straps to secure these longer tools, especially if I’m doing a bike/hike. • I do plenty of snow hiking so wanted the option of an ice axe loop • I always want a haul loop • Although I haven’t used it yet, I have a removable top V bungee I can attach for things on the outside of the pack, like securing a jacket when not in use. • Instead of removeable straps, I have a minimalist hip “belt” that keeps the pack from swinging if I’m trotting. It’s thin but wide enough to lay comfortably across my hips.

Custom BigStep with camera carry system

In my correspondence with Chris I was looking at the black Dyneema Hybrid Composite material, but he was getting low on inventory. I’ve had good luck with XPac so was fine with that, which is actually cheaper. The total bill for these changes added very little to the standard price on his site, which is $220. My bill was $242.99, not bad considering there were some sewing alterations that needed to be made; the BigStep design has one seam on each side (near the back of the pack) so the compression straps and side pockets needed to be secure without significantly altering the original design. As usual, correspondence with Chris was timely; my first email asking about the alterations went out on March 8th and the pack was shipped on March 19th. Maybe I got lucky in the timing concerning his work load, but I’d call that pretty spectacular service. This attention to detail and customer service is why I’ve had several packs made by Chris over the past few years.

Custom Quickstep has a handy mesh front pocket

I’ve used this pack for just about every off trail scramble and peak bagging trip I’ve done this year, with the exception of ski trips. I’ve been tangled in gross slide alder on steep slopes, I’ve ‘schwacked through thick underbrush and conifer tangles, I’ve squeezed through narrow caves and scraped against all manner of geology, and through all of this abuse there is no evidence of wear on the pack with the exception of dirt that I can’t quite clean off of the front mesh pocket. I used this pack for my daughter’s and my 4 day trek of the Inca Trail….in our group of 7 we were the only ones (she also had her Zimmerbuilt pack) who didn’t utilize a personal porter, easily carrying clothing and sleep gear to the next overnight. Because there is no frame, this pack can lie flat or roll up in a suitcase. And it’s not like I’m just schlepping a few pounds; I embarked on a 4 day trip in October of the Wonderland Trail, starting off in snow, and I had this pack. As it turns out I turned back due to the slow progress through the early season snows, but my point is I had 4 days of food and overnight gear appropriate for essentially a winter hike. Despite the lack of a frame, the fit and comfort of the pack straps allow me to carry kit, food and water in the vicinity of 20 pounds with no discomfort. I also use a Keyhole camera carry system that easily attached to the pack straps.

BigStep solid side pockets

The more I use this custom BigStep, the more I think it may be the best overall pack I’ve owned. It can cinch down for day use, or has the volume to add overnight gear for multi day trips. It packs easily into a travel suitcase and is obviously robust enough withstand moderate abuse on scrambles and off trail travel. But like any piece of gear, there are some limitations…..• Don’t count on your contents staying completely dry; I’ve used the pack in all day rains and items in the pack were damp. As usual a liner bag or individual stuff sacks are appropriate for extended use in wet weather…..• The side pockets are always handy, but despite cinching them up tight I’ve had a tall liter and a half Nalgene fall out when I’ve bent over on tricky scramble sections. If I’m anticipating contortionist movements through difficult terrain, I now put the large bottle inside the pack….• Securing straps; the roll top design is definitely something I like, but this minimalist design uses long skinny straps and tiny buckles on each side to cinch down the top. These are sometimes hard to find when I’m securing the buckles, but mostly the long strings can be a slight pain if the pack is not very full, dangling hither on the side. Occasionally I’ve just stuffed them inside the side pockets.

It seems like every review I do I end with “it all depends on usage” and that is true here. There is no padded back so you have to pack appropriately or you’ll get something sticking into your back. Any frameless pack is limited in a comfortable carry weight, but I don’t exceed 20 pounds even with a full load of kit, food and water. You’re not going to be able to carry skis or snowshoes. But if you need a pack that takes up little room in a suitcase, can handle day hikes, brush bashing and light overnights, works just as well biking as hiking, has enough volume to pack bulkier items, can carry a tripod or Zpacks staff or trekking poles, and has enough gumption to handle a modicum of abuse, then this may be the pack for you. It certainly has proven itself for me. In my coming travels I’ll have this little number in my rollaboard, ready for any number of forays we may choose, be it Norway or Croatia or New Zealand. Chris can make it happen for you, too. EDIT: when I first posted this I mistakenly wrote this up as a customized QuickStep; it had been months since I bought the pack and I had the QuickStep in my mind. Apologies if this caused any confusion.

BigStep roll top securing straps and buckles with compression strap and solid side pockets

MRNP: TumTum Peak (4678')

On another foray into the park this late November I had it in mind to hit 3 peaks: TumTum (4678’), Ararat (6010’) and Mt. Wow (6040’) over the course of two days. The weather forecast drove my schedule; I would hit TumTum in the morning of the first day (rain and mist) because of its limited views, then proceed on the same Kautz Creek trail towards Indian Henry’s Hunting Ground to hopefully enjoy clearing skies from the summit of Ararat, offering big late afternoon views of the mountain with visions of alpenglow dancing in my head. I set off in the early morning, eventually donning my rain gear (including pants) as the brush was wet and there was a steady drizzle. When I left the trail there was little evidence of prior travel so I was basically on my own; I don’t think TumTum is often visited. The forest sections weren’t particularly hard but had the usual obstacles to surmount. I found that skirting rocky outcroppings on the left looked the best way, and once I attained a saddle to the west of the peak it was easy going to the forested summit. I decided to return the way I had come as descending the east ridge was an unknown. As I regained the Kautz Creek trail there was a moment of sunshine filtering through the trees so it looked like my plan was coming together….off to Ararat!

Drizzly conditions above 4700’ on the trail approaching Mt. Ararat (6010’)

Majestic giants on the Kautz Creek trail

Unfortunately that brief splash of sunshine was also the last of it, and as I climbed above 4700’ on trail I encountered more drizzle and wet, gloppy snow. I continued with hope and optimism to 5100’ on trail, nearing the point where I would break off for the Ararat summit. My plans were dashed as I looked up to a totally obscured Ararat and continuing drizzle; Ararat is best served by the afternoon view of the mountain, so I decided to save it for another day. This time of year the forest starts getting dark at 4 PM. My plans have been to be back on established trail by 3 as I don’t mind hiking in the dark but I don’t want to be route finding off trail. I regained my vehicle by 5 in complete darkness and made plans for dinner and truck camping. Tomorrow’s forecast was for sunny skies and I had the much more difficult scramble of Mt. Wow (6040’) on the agenda. Today’s Stats: 14.5 miles/5000’ elev

Mt. Wow (6040’) from 5100’

WOW FAILURE The West Side road was gated on November 4th from its entrance, so I came equipped with my mountain bike to do the easy 1.85 mile ride up the road to the climbers trail that leads to Lake Allen above and the slopes of Mt. Wow. This is a quad busting steep climb, taking me from 2500’ to above Lake Allen at 4700’. The description of this scramble is “difficult” with route finding problems, and I must say I encountered such. There just didn’t seem to be an easy way to attain the upper slopes leading to the saddle between Mt. Wow and Point 5614. I’ll synopsize; between verglas on rock, cliff bands, snow covered steep grassy slopes and thick foliage, I made it to an elevation of 5500’ with the saddle in sight along with Mt. Wow, just 500’ above me….and decided to turn around. My decision was based on estimated time to climb to the saddle and scramble the ridge to Wow and back, the uncertainty of attaining the lower slopes (I had lost my Whippet during one intense battle with slide alder on one such slope, not going back that way!), negotiating the slippery sun softened snow over steep grassy slopes I was currently on (without my Whippet) and reestablishing myself on the climbers trail before darkness fell. As it turns out, my descent route was the “appropriate” way up and down….not easy, as I found myself looking down on a 60 degree gully at one point, slightly off the proper track. If only the days were longer, I could have enjoyed the in your face clear views of Rainier, glimpses of which I caught on the ascent over my right shoulder. The guide I use to reference these peaks has general descriptions and may be slightly understated….perhaps more from my geriatric viewpoint, but this one is definitely a “hard scramble with route finding difficulties” for sure. Hopefully next time, bolstered by my newfound familiarity with the route, I will meet with success. Just an example of exercising judgement based on conditions and circumstances. I was back at my vehicle by 3 PM but the steep descent through the forest to regain my bike on the West Side road was already getting darkish at 2 PM. No second thoughts on this one. Cheers! (Stats: 10.3 miles/4500’ elev)

The sun at 2 PM on November 20th; descending from Lake Allen

The wonders of November hiking

The summit of TumTum Peak (4678’), Mt. Rainier National Park

MRNP: Martin/August/Virginia/Berry Peaks

Strava data

In the past I haven't done much hiking after October, but this latest November weather is quite conducive to getting out. The forecast for this outing was partly cloudy skies with a slight chance of showers, just right for hitting these peaks that are wooded with little to no views anyway. I knew the Mowich Lake road would be snow free and wanted to take advantage of that before earnest snows set in. I parked where the boundary trail starts and was delighted to see what nice shape it's in. Soon enough I came to the spot where I broke off to hit Martin Peak (4880'). Martin is supposed to have some decent views but despite occasional sun breaks in the morning all of these summits were surrounded by cloud. When I arrived at this summit (cairn) I was quite damp from the constant drips bombarding me from the trees along with brushing against wet branches whilst 'schwacking. However, the mild temperatures helped and my clothing could dry quickly once the moisture bombs stopped.

August Peak (4680') I regained the boundary trail and proceeded to the "end" at the August-Poch saddle which borders a FS road. A mild scramble had me on the August summit, also marked by a cairn. Instead of continuing cross country to Virginia Peak (4880'), I came back on the boundary trail and bagged it from there, only 1/10th of a mile from the trail. This accounts for the longer mileage I had on this outing (11 miles) vice some of the guides which state all 4 peaks consume 8.6 miles.

The misty woods; Mt. Rainier’s Boundary Trail

To get to Berry Peak (5120’) I continued from Virginia, sticking close to the ridge lines….there is a subsummit between these two peaks. What with the wet branches, blowdown obstacles and dead branch stubs sticking up from downed trees, I proceeded cautiously with my foot placement. I did not want to fall on any of those nubs and spikes. I circled around some rocky outcroppings on Berry to attain the summit, which offered a peek-a-boo view of the mountain during a brief break in the clouds. From here it was a matter of retracing my steps back over Virginia to set foot on smooth trail. It took me 2.5 hours to leave the trail, tag Virginia and Berry, and return. I was quite glad to be on trail with no obstacles to impede my trotting and I was back at my vehicle with plenty of day light left.

Peek-a-boo view while descending Berry Peak (5120’), Mt. Rainier National Park

This was a wonderful outing in the woods; despite the occasional soaking from wet branches and tree bombs, I thoroughly enjoyed sucking in this moisture laden fresh air and bagging 4 more peaks on the 100 list. Total elevation gain for the day: 4,000’. Total people seen: 0. Once again I had the park to myself.

MRNP: Selected Summits - 2019

As I’ve ventured off trail in Mt. Rainier National Park I’ve compiled video from most of these sojourns over the past 5 years. This compilation of video (supplemented by a few stills) includes 41 high points and summits. Here’s the list in order: Burroughs Mountains (1st, 2nd, 3rd), Skyscraper, Mt. Ruth, Steamboat Prow, Goat Island Mountain, Curtis Ridge, Aurora Peak, Andrew, Tokaloo Rock, Success Divide/Cleaver, Satulick Mountain, Iron Mountain, Copper Mountain, Pyramid Peak, The Colonnade, Shriner Peak, Brown Peak, Slide Mountain, The Palisades, Antler Peak, Dege Peak, McNeeley Peak, Hessong Rock, Mt. Pleasant, Echo Rock, Observation Rock, Ptarmigan Ridge Prominence, Russell Glacier, Fay Peak, Knapsack Pass, Tolmie Peak, Martin Peak, August Peak, Virginia Peak, Berry Peak, Banshee Peak, Panhandle Gap, Whitman Crest, Meany Crest, plus a no view shot of Gobblers Knob at the end. Please enjoy!

MRNP: Aurora Peak (6094')/Andrew (6716')

Really, Oct 1st at 4500’!?

It’s been a strange late summer/fall this season. Rainy, cold, days on end. I was looking to flash the Wonderland in October like I did last year, but by the time there was a weather window and time opportunity for my schedule the Cascades had seen quite a bit of snow. I set out on October 1st for a try, and met with snow as soon as I departed White River. As beautiful as it was, the high stepping through drifts up to my knees past Sunrise on the way to Mystic Lake slowed my pace enough that I determined I just couldn’t make good time in these conditions. That was the end of going for Wonderland #32, but it was quite the day.

And so came November, with cold but nice weather for days on end. Mt. Rainier’s West Side road was slated to close on November 4th, so I decided to try for a few peaks utilizing the road for access on the mountain’s west side: Aurora and Andrews. I set off in the morning after it got light on my mountain bike and hoped I’d packed right. In my truck I had an ice axe, snowshoes, poles and a BD Whippet, along with sturdier shoes. However, I set off with my studded Inov8 trail runners and the whippet and left the rest. The West Side road grade is gentle so one can make good time on a bike; I crested Round Pass and rode 8 miles to the St. Andrews Creek trailhead, stashing my steed in the bike rack. On the trail I encountered snow above 5100’ but the crust was hard enough to keep from post-holing. Soon enough I was at Klapatche Park and witnessed something I had never seen before….a frozen Aurora Lake. Frozen enough for me to walk on. However, the weather was beautiful so I continued on solid snow and bare patches of trail to St. Andrews Lake (also frozen) about a mile up the trail. I looked at Andrew (mountain) and decided not to make a go of it on top of Aurora due to the short days. I retraced my steps and encountered no problems ascending Aurora Peak (6094’) which boasted incredible views of the Puyallup formations, and the mountain of course. It was a short jaunt back to my bike and I found myself back at my truck at 3:45. So I had plenty of time to summit Andrew, assuming my calculation of 2 hour round trip was accurate. I have no problems biking in the dark. I drove up the road to Longmire and had dinner, bedding down in my truck for the night. Stats for the day, 27 miles (16 biking)/5700’ elev.

Andrew (6716’)

Day 2 Look at my list of tools I brought to handle varying snow conditions. Lots of options, including clothing. What I failed to pack was a tire repair kit and extra tube. It wasn’t until I lowered my bike from the rack that I saw a completely deflated front tire. Today I would be walking. 4 miles later I was at Round Pass, taking a cut off trail to get on the South Puyallup River trail, then a left on the Wonderland to approach St. Andrews Park from the other direction from yesterday. Temperatures were mild for this time of year and the snow on this day was much softer (no freezing over night). I donned a pair of Rocky Socks to help with errant snow entry in my gaiterless shoes and entered the snow fray at 5400’. I left the snow covered trail before St. Andrews Park and proceeded cross country in the direction of Andrew (6716’), finding some bare patches on steep hillsides on the ascent. Once I crested a saddle the objective was in sight; I kept to the ridge line, then dropped lower to skirt Andrew on the south side, looping around and working my way up a steep snow covered boulder field. As my eyeballs crested, I was relieved to see a flat, snow covered summit plateau sporting incredible views. The air provided a nice layering effect for vistas to the south, spying Mt. Adams and Mt. St. Helens. I also had an interesting view to the frozen lakes I had visited the day before, St. Andrews and Aurora Lake. I wasn’t concerned about the time as there was plenty for me to get back on the snow covered trail before darkness fell; in fact, I didn’t have to use my torch until the last 30 minutes, arriving at my vehicle at the adjusted “fall back “ time of 6 PM. Since this entire day was on foot, It was a bit more grueling on my bod, covering 25 miles and 5600’.

Layered horizon from the summit of Andrew (6716’)

Despite spending 36 years here, it’s only been the last 10 years or so where I have ventured off trail to explore and tag some of the listed 100 summits in Mt. Rainier National Park. In the process I have explored new areas (to me), gained different vantage points for views, and traveled for hours or days with no other people in sight. To bag a few peaks this late in the season doubled the pleasure with different problem solving, crisp air, short days, lake “walking” and isolation. Despite my deflated steed, just two perfect days.

A frozen Aurora Lake with Aurora Peak (6064’) right frame

The Puyallup formations from the summit of Aurora Peak (6094’)

Frozen St. Andrews Lake with Aurora Lake just seen beyond (from the summit of Andrew)

RIMROBOD Century (October, 2019)

See my prior post on the RIMROBOD Short Course for background. Question: how can one enjoy the incredible scenery of Mt. Rainier National Park and avoid the "garbage miles" of RAMROD (Ride Around Mt. Rainier in One Day: 150 miles/10,000' climb)? My answer is various iterations of RIMROBOD (Ride the Interior of Mt. Rainier Out and Back in One Day: 121 miles/15,600' climb). My first event in 2017 started at Longmire where I rode to the other side of the park (Sunrise) and back, taking under 24 hours but necessitating a nap in the wee hours to recharge. The benefit of the Century iteration for me was being able to do the better part of this ride in 12 hours total (10:28 moving time).

By staying within the confines of Mt. Rainier National Park the cyclist can enjoy a nonstop barrage of eye popping scenery, all the while either climbing or descending, challenging the legs with 11,400' of climb (this Century iteration) while keeping the overall mileage to 100 miles. The beauty of the out and back ride is the different scenery one takes in doing both directions. By positioning my vehicle at Box Canyon, I was able to do the better part of the climbing during daylight hours (an accomplished cyclist could certainly do these rides much faster). In quick succession, one climbs to Backbone Ridge, Cayuse Pass, Chinook Pass, Sunrise and back, logging 10,000’ of climb in less than 90 miles. At Box Canyon, I could choose to continue up the Stevens Canyon road, logging more climb….on this day I chose to turn back below Reflection Lakes as darkness was descending and my total mileage would make the century mark. Although I descended in darkness this road is open and vistas still abound, a caveat being I had to concentrate on the road only visible by my bike light circle.

I have spent years hiking, biking and skiing in this park, and biking the roads within its confines serve up not only a scenic palette but provide any challenge I can think of. There are other benefits; there is little to no cell phone coverage on these roads so the danger of inattentive idiots texting is greatly reduced. The speed limits are usually 35 mph with a smattering of 45 (mostly on highways 410 and 123). The grades of all these climbs are not especially steep, so motoring up the hills for hours on end is possible for anyone with a modicum of cycling background. These milder grades also mean I don’t have to ride the brakes on the descents….only rarely have I even approached 40 mph, with most downhill speeds between 25 and 35 mph. And the smells….fresh air filtered by the surrounding forests, rife with flowered air in summer and nostril burning cold smacking your face by 30 mph speed induced winds in the fall (like this ride).

For background, I’ve always had bikes but was never a “true” cyclist (nor am I now). Sometimes my bike(s) will sit for weeks with no use. But I used to think riding from Longmire to Paradise (11 miles, 2600’) was a killer. Until I did more. Then after that I tried longer. Just like I was able to work up to ultra marathons when I was running, I have found that I can work up to 10,000’ days on a bike in the same manner….just plodding along and doing it, answering that 4 AM alarm, when sleeping in would be oh so much better. Believe me, when you finish a day like this, you know you’re alive.

Technicals: Salsa Cutthroat Rival bike/Snoqualmie Pass road tires (tubeless), Rapha top/bib with PI thermals, GoPro Hero 7 Black chest mount

Morning light on Mt. Rainier from Backbone Ridge

Fall colors in Stevens Canyon, Mt. Rainier National Park

Chinook Pass, one of the climbs on the RIMROBOD Century

RIMROBOD Short Course

To decipher this title and put this post into perspective, you have to reference the original RIMROBOD ride here.

One of the benefits of making your own “course” is to also make variants (stay tuned, the “RIMROBOD Century” may happen this year). Perhaps I’ll do the entire original RIMROBOD this year, but on this day I didn’t have the time or the legs. Therefore, I wanted a RAMROD (Ride Around Mt. Rainier in One Day) type of workout without all that mileage (150). This short course gave me the climbing I wanted without significant distance; I was either going up or down, no cruising sections on this route. SHORT COURSE STATS: 81 miles/9200’ elev.

To approach 10,000’ of climbing, I find that starting at Box Canyon is an excellent option. This puts me in the middle of the park with the ability to ride in either direction. In fact, if I do the entire RIMROBOD (121 miles, 15,600’ elev) this year, I may start at Box Canyon vice Longmire and do out and back from the vehicle, continuing past Box Canyon and putting in the climb to Paradise and descent to Longmire, putting the stats the same as 2017.

It’s still summer so I had to contend with traffic; however, these roads actually add to safety for a couple of reasons. Number 1, there is no cell reception so drivers can’t be distracted with texting. Number 2, the sometimes serpentine roads require lower speeds and driver attention, especially within the confines of the gates. Highway 410 carries traffic through the park on the way to Yakima, but this section is quite short. Speed limits within the gates are usually 35 MPH with short sections of 45 on the Stevens Canyon Road, and drivers on these roads have always been attentive to cyclists. For these reasons I like riding and training in Mt. Rainier National Park, and I can’t think of any other convenient place that can give the rider these types of significant climbs and descents over short distances. Also in my planning is the stop at Sunrise, where I was able to purchase lunch, get coffee, reload my water and quaff some Gatorade. It makes an excellent halfway rest stop.

I like using my Salsa Cutthroat Rival for these longer excursions with significant climbs because of the gearing, comfort and stability of the bike. To put things in perspective, just about every time I climb to Sunrise a number of cyclists pass me…I’m chugging along at maybe 5 MPH so I’m no elite masters cyclist for sure. I simply do jaunts like this to keep my aging body in some semblance of shape, reacquainting myself with discomfort and pain. It’s a small price to pay for the exhilarating descents, the flower show along the roadsides, the bubbling waterfalls along highway 123, the sweet air and even the gusty winds that broadsided me near Sunrise. Just another excellent day in the park!

(Ride the Interior of Mt. Rainier Out and Back in One Day)

Course and climbs, starting and ending at Box Canyon (RIMROBOD Short Course: 81 miles/9200’)

MRNP: Satulick, Iron, Copper Peaks

With somewhat sketchy hiking legs I departed on this jaunt in Mt. Rainier National Park with the intention of bagging 4 peaks: Satulick (5577’), Iron (6283’), Copper (6280’) and Ararat (6010’). Way trails were sketchy to non existent on these scrambles so I spent much time side hilling, ‘schwacking and, in the case of Iron and Copper, gully climbing in order to access those two summit plateaus. None of this scrambling was particularly hard but the somewhat muggy day left me occasionally sweating profusely, especially on the gully climbs to Iron and Copper. My water intake was far more than usual, but the effort to tag these peaks was well worth it. By the time I finished the last peak (Copper) my legs were certainly feeling it so I dropped Ararat from this day’s list so as to arrive back at my vehicle at Longmire at a decent time. I’ve been coming to this park since 1983 and it still astounds me that there are so many more new places to explore personally. Despite it being high season for Wonderland hikers, my hours spent off trail were in complete solitude, and I lingered on the flat summits of Iron and Copper taking in the views in all directions. Once regaining Indian Henry’s I patched up some scratches on my hand from the scramble and paid a visit to Mirror Lake before departing, spending the last hour in the dark and enjoying cooler temperatures. The stats (22 miles/6500’) had my legs a quivering at the end but it was happy pain. Photo set here..

Mirror Lake, Mt. Rainier National Park

Hurricane Ridge Road Bike (Olympic National Park): August-2019

I filmed this classic climb and descent in September of 2015. However, with the newer iteration of GoPro (Hero 7 Black), the quality is so much better that I have retired that first video and replaced it with this. The Hero 7 has such good internal software stabilization that I was able to author this video in 2.7K, the same format I used for recording. I have also embraced the wider view versus the 960 video I have used in the past for biking. But enough about these technical tidbits, let’s consider this climb/descent, arguably one of the finest in Washington State. For my jaunt the start/stop point was a hotel in Port Angeles, WA, making for a 40 mile ride with 5,400’ of climb/descent. This road is in excellent shape and my early start enabled me to leave the Hurricane Ridge Visitor Center (Olympic National Park, 5242’ elev) at 9:30 AM. Downhill traffic was light but lots of cars and other cyclists were noted on their ascent. My stats showed consistent speeds of 30 to 38 MPH on the descent. Of note, the steepest grade is actually the first 5 miles of the road until reaching the entry kiosk to the park. The road is slightly over 17 miles long.