We parked at the end of Middle Fork Snoqualish River road (Snoqualmie Lake/Taylor River Trail #1002). The last mile or so (NF 5600) was unpaved. Note, Google Map was incorrectly marking a closure between Mailbox and Granite Creek TH.
The road actually continues and in decent condition after the yellow gate.
Good view of the 2 subpeaks of Garfield, and the creek (Taylor River? These 2 photos were taken on our way out).
About a mile in, there was a large down tree blocking the road.
Evidence of at least one attempt to cut that log into smaller chuncks.
After this down tree, at a turn, saw this locked A-frame, no windows but was covered with solar roof on one side.
Almost 4 miles of roadwalk. Only the last ~0.5 mile had snow, and was decommissioned.
Then, we scrambled up on the right side of a creek bed towards the north ridge of Cockerel Point.
A couple of steep sections.
The snow is packed down, with ice axe and spikes, it's quite safe.
I actually slipped on one step, and later I discovered that I put my spikes wrong.
Once attained the ridge, we continued on the ridge.
This ridge is narrow. This year, not much snow. So we can hold on to the rocks.
Followed this ridge for a while, until it eases down a little bit to a flat area.
Now we could see an obvious way to reach our objective, even though it was now hidden behind the trees.
The western ridge of Rooster/Arc is flatter, covered with snow.
Just stay on the south side, so you don't fall over.
The very last bit is rocks. The trip report I read suggested using ropes.
Our trip leader brought one. Really no need.
Now devoid of snow, it's fun and quite safe to scramble.
Steep but with cracks at reachable distances. The rocks are pretty solid.
One of us had to hold the dog at some point.
The view on the summit is fantastic.
Could see the highrises in Seattle to the west and Olympic Mountains.
To the north and east are Alpine Wilderness.
2 lakes: Mowich + Marten.
Good that we are a small group, and we can spread out a bit.
Sunny, no wind. No one else in sight.
Took a long lunch break.
Coming down, we continued on the west ridge further, into the woods.
It's much easier than the ridge north Cockerel Point.
Then we scrambled down. We stayed in the wood in the upper half (steeper), and got out to the open snow at the lower half.
Then into the woods again, eventually hit the decommissioned road that we walked on.
On the long road walk to the car, we saw a guy sitting by the road and his tripod eating something. Near the parking lot, saw a large family. Not sure if they were fishing. This road walk is all in the shade now. Felt colder than on the summit.
Back in Seattle still in daylight! Total about 11 miles, 4000'. I brought crampons and snowshoes with me, and an extra puffy and too much food.
