May 14, 2004, Hawkins Mountain, Cle Elum River

Four of us (Charles, Matt, Kevin and I (Andy)) climbed and skied Hawkins Mountain friday. We used the approach recommended by John Morrow in his trip report of May 1. Parked the car at the end of the spur road heading up Camp Creek about a half mile in from the Cle Elum River road (3370'). No snow in sight at this point. Climbed the steep west facing slope of the southern ridge above Camp Creek in open forest to about 4600' where we were able to start skinning. Toured along this narrowing, northerly curving ridge on firm snow till we reached the south rib of Hawkins and booted up on snow just west of the rib. On the summit at about 1:30. Great views up the Cle Elum valley of Mt. Hinman and Mt. Daniel. Clouds kept moving in to block the sun and we were wondering if the snow would soften sufficiently for the ski down. Had lunch and discussed the state of the world till about 3:00, then geared up to ski the west face of Hawkins. This slope is moderately steep (~35 deg.) and open with small clumps of trees. On this day the snow was about an inch of corn on a firm base and utterly smooth....perfect. A great 1300' run was had by all. We then toured back up to the ridge to about 6500' and did another run down a west facing gully including a narrow and steep section of snow. The snow made heroes of us all. Then back up to the ridge and a fun ski through forest to the end of the snow, followed by a toe smashing but mercifully short hike back down the steep face. No snow instability issues noted. A great day with great company marred only by Matt doing the unthinkable: spilling his hard earned Guinness back at the car.

Kevin on the gully run:


More photos next Monday (5/24) on TAY home page.