Hawkins, May 31, 2008

Brad, Nick, Scott and I skied Hawkins on Saturday.  I had heard things had melted out considerably in the Teanaway River Road area, so expectations of a nice ski were held in check as we drove further up the Cle Elum road drainage.  We arrived at a very dry and warm trailhead thinking we should have skied closer to Snoqualmie Pass.  But hey, what a backcountry ski be without doubt and self loathing of one's choices?

So we hit the trail (err, ridge without a trail) and found continuous snow at 4600 feet (see photo of ridge), and skinned to about 6800 feet.  There we skinned our skis and booted the final 300 VF to the top due to on and off snow coverage high on the ridge. We enjoyed magnificent views of Glacier Peak, Mount Stuart, Earl Peak and on and on.  We dropped in to the north facing bowl and then hung a right to gain the ascent ridge at 6500 feet.  There we skied the ridge route all the way back to 4600 feet and proceeded to boot back down to the car.  All in all the snow quality was good and we had a nice day under mostly sunny skies. But we reminded ourselves that in late May, we should really pick places where it's possible to skin from the TH.

Couple notes- on the ascent ridge, brush and undergrowth is dense near Cabin Creek.  Rather than follow the creek east for a while before heading up the ridge, consider walking south on the jeep trail about 100-200 yards from the parking area before you head up.  The going up and going down will be much easier due to a more open forest.   On the way back stop by The Brick, Washington's oldest continuing operating bar.  You'll find a great beer selection, and truthful tat's (see pic).