I signed up a meetup for Mount Forgotten when it was first announced. However, by the end of the week, the to-go list was 25. That number scares me. I still wanted to go there, especially after learning that there are many fern species on Perry Creek trail. There was a WNPS outing a month ago to look at the ferns. Here is a plant list for this trail. Coincidently, Charles bailed out of the Daniel - Dip Top loop, so I contacted him to do Forgotten before the large group.
I got picked up ~6am near home instead of at an I-5 exit, because I-5 northbound was shutdown this weekend. Thankfully, the express lane was open. It was convenient to get on the express lane from Mercer St.
Started our hike in fog. Parking lot (shared with Mt Dikerman) was about half full. ~1900'.
1st mile of Perry Creek trail resembles a decommissioned road, which leads to the former TH and onwards.
After a short while, it goes into the Perry Creek valley, on the east side of the valley, without seeing the creek. Steep and green hills on both side.
Almost 2 miles.
It was very cloudy, sometimes not able to see the other side.
Other times, saw some narrow waterfall on the oppo
Saw clusters of harebells, fireweed. Devil's club is happy, with ripening seeds.
Lots of ferns in the talus area, but I couldn't identify them except
parsley fern with distinct sterile and fertile leaves.
The biodiversity just before Perry Creek falls is designated as a natural research area.
After crossing Perry Creek (~3.1 mile and ~1400' from TH), the trail zigzags up a forested slope, for ~1.5 mile and 1600' to a ridge.
Saw some pinesap and coralroot. Nice tread.
At the ridge, some small tracks to the left (north) for a limited view of the north side of the ridge.
Too cloudy to see much.
Here, many tall huckleberry and willow bushes.
Continued on east, soon enter a huckleberry + heather meadow under Peak 5396.
Normally it's a logical turn-around, with good view and a tarn. Elevation ~5200'.
Continue north, ignore a track on the left and up to a ridge, you'll find a track going straight down.
Take care (not bad) going down this short stretch, then it's a traverse on the east side of the ridge.
Clouds cleared a bit, there's a promise of a nice view.
Many flowers on the steep slope. A very nice stretch of about half a mile.
The trail is fairly easy to follow.
At a big rock, keep left and go up in trees, and continue the traverse for another 1/4 mile.
Finally reach a flat area, with a tarn, some snow, huckleberry and heather.
A nice place to pitch a tent. About 5500'.
From here, turn left (west) onto the eastern ridge of Mt Forgotten.
A lot of flowers at the lower half, and rocky upper half.
If a large group, it's better to wear helmet here. Not difficult, but still possible to kick down rocks.
The very top is very jaggard.
Not too much place to sit.
You can scramble more to the next crag.
Some short stubby hemlock here with purple cones.
Had lunch, waiting for the clouds to lift.
After half an hour, we gave up, and going down.
Started seeing the big group coming up, lead by DK.
When we got back to Forgotten Meadow, saw a tent. Still too foggy.
By the time we were back in the Perry Creek Valley, finally some blue sky. No mosquito issue today.
Back home before 6pm.
