“Hot. Record high temperatures punctuated by thunder storms,” indicated the weather report. It could be a perfect week for a sojourn into the North Fork of the Entiat and the surrounding big boys. We packed and took off a day late in hopes of climbing at least a few of the peaks on the list. More importantly, a respite from the worries of unemployment and a chance to reflect on what is next. The hot drive in the Jeep through Wenatchee took us to miles of dusty dirt road and trailhead that felt abandoned. The reputation surrounding the Chelan Mountains as a beautiful place to wonder, hike and scramble luckily has not reached the rest of the western Washington populace. There was one other car parked in at the trailhead. How hot? So hot, the ink in the pen attached to the registration from was dry…I’m hoping this isn’t a sign of the trail ahead. Having been sedate from school and study provided more anxiousness than the thought of figuring out how to get up the four or so summits we planned to scramble. The four of us starting hiking at 3900 feet, the trail follows the river through a heavily forested valley gradually rising to a fork at 6600 feet, one branch heading northeast allowing access over Saska Pass toward Lucerne on Lake Chelan and the other southeast and back toward the trailhead forming the possibility of several ridge and valley loops to walk.We pushed on toward Saska Pass deciding to camp in the large meadow near the base of Saska Peak, Emerald Peak and Cardinal Peak.
A cold beautiful stream ran by our campsite.
The location of the area, a full 5+ hour drive from Seattle, must provide its protection since we were the only party anywhere in the basin – in mid-summer. Spectacular does not do justice to describe the beauty and serenity of the meadow. Wonderful cold stream for water, soft grass to rest one’s head and pockets of trees offered protection from the wind. Solitude from the throngs of people perusing the “name brand” peaks everyone wants to climb. Evening on the first day quickly approached as we set up camp near a large bolder that hosted an organized fire ring built against its vertical side which acted as a nice heat reflector. Cozy. Our agreed upon alpine start was timed to happen after the morning sun knocked the chill off the tents, perhaps a little later than we anticipated, but the rest was deeply appreciated. Saska Peak was our first objective a scant mile and a half around the corner on the trail. Moving toward the pass we walked through a steep grassy boulder field to gain the gully on the west side of an arm the drops down from the summit. The broken talus and fractured gulley was loose but posed little problems other than the need to be extremely careful about “pulling” on anything since it was guaranteed to move. Gaining the arm we moved right on to the face into a large stone filled gulley. Following this dominate cleft brought us to a short section of Class II/ Class III rock and a step that lead to the final large talus field and a walk to the small summit.
Baer on Saska Peak
- Climbing Saska Peak talus field
Beautiful views and mountains stretching in every direction met us as we filled out the requisite paperwork on the summit register to record our passing. Retracing our route found us back in camp in time to collect more firewood for a relaxing evening fire and leisurely dinner. I always wonder about how those folks who work in some cubie in an office in the Midwest keep from going bonkers. I guess you don’t know, what you don’t know – some work is definitely better than no work. Well, maybe not. I decided to enjoy this day at my newly designated “office.” Sleep comes easy in the mountains after a fun day of scrambling and exploring. Excellent way to start a week of adventures. The real question remains, “How can I make this my office?” Anybody need some serious copy written on real backcountry experiences by an adventurer? Or catalog copy that makes sense?
Reviewing and signing the "paperwork" on Saska Summit
Oh to be so blessed, but consider that just being in this small portion of the wilderness is blessing enough when you really look at what could be happening in life. Shudder at getting sick or hurt…would probably be more than I could take. All kinds of crazy things run through your mind when you are out there sweating upward, but for the most part, they are experiences that one cannot live without.
Hey Grey One!
How are you doing? Keep on climbing and let me know how things are going when you get a chance.
Dave
Dave-
Had a great summer! So far eight peaks and early fall is just setting in with a dusting of snow.