First is Mt Baldy, which is a 0.9 mile (1-way) detour (on Domerie Peak Trail) from the main loop.
Last time I did this was with V.I., a common friend of ours who perished last May in a climbing accident.
We started in dry weather. However, due to the rain yesterday, the bushes were very wet.
My pant legs got so wet, that the water was dripping down to my shoes.
Then we walked into clouds.
Despite of the "most sunny" forecast, it drizzled, and then it snowed.
See the frozen trees here on the summit. Thankfully, we both packed rain jackets.
Back to Tara Point, continued north in the fog along Domerie Peaks trail towards Thomas Mountain.
It's just a bump on the ridge, all in trees. No view.
Further north, the trail deteriated. Very steep at a couple of places, so slow going.
Saw a group of young runners coming the opposite direction.
Saw a stretch of burnt trees too.
By 1pm, the clouds finally dissipated.
However, the ridge is mostly in trees, once awhile on open edge for a good view of Cle Elum Lake.
Peak 5049, Peak 5282 have better views to east.
On these baldy slopes, quite some flowers.
At the very north end of the loop, we took a short spur to bag French Cabin South Peak.
The two of us couldn't decide where is the "peak". All treed, not worth going.
On the way, a nice flat meadow, and some glacier lilies.
I refused to continue north to the north peak, as it a bit too much out of the way.
Took me some effort to convince O.K. to abandon that peak.
We returned to the junction with Silver Creek Tie Trail, and took that to the west.
The next peak, French Kiss, is a worthy stop, right by the trail. Open, good view.
Plenty ridge to ramble. Easy.
Saw another small group on the next bump.
Silver Creek Tie trail goes below French Cabin West Peak (5528'), where O.K. veered off to climb.
I found a log and took a break. Took my shoes off, ate another bar, ...
Eventually got bored, and went around checking out how the climb would go.
Ended up scrambling all the way to the summit.
On the way met O.K. on her way down. She waited for me.
This is a real climb. Nothing dangerous though. Class 2-3. No real track, just use common sense.
Back on the main trail.
Next junction, we turned south (left) onto Silver Creek Trail.
This trail mostly followed the creek, even though the creek is not always visible.
No views, saw many trilliums, some oregon anenome.
By the time we got back to the car, it was past 6pm. Probably 15-16 miles, 5000'. I drove home. Made noodle for dinner (continue the birthday theme).
