Thought it would be a good idea to go for a short hike after my blood draw, but apparently it took more out of me that I realized. I was struggling, so we took our time.

We didn't get started until 12:20pm. There were several cars already at the trailhead. Besides a handful of trees down, all of which were low enough to go over, the trail was unremarkable. There are several creek crossings which was great for my dog since the weather was warmer than the forecast suggested.

Only ran into 3 groups on the way up. There were a few people setting up camp in the basin when we arrived. We parked it on a rock to eat and rest for an hour and watched people trickle down from Bean Peak. The basin is full of flowers right now

On wilderness regulations: while there are many fire rings at the campsites, the basin is above 5000 feet so campfires are off limits in this area. This regulation and many others are listed at the trailhead and on the wilderness permits every group is required to have.

Specs from Gaia: 5.14mi, 3hr 4min, 1795ft

I always like to get over to Teanaway in the spring or before it gets too hot.  Preferably to see some wildflowers and have available water for refill and cooling down.  Yesterday was a great opportunity to go and I needed to take the dog which limits the possibilities of anything more technical or long distance.  The drive east over in the clouds and mist was smooth.  The road to the trailhead is in pretty good shape.  A low clearance vehicle should just take it easy over the last section of road.  No privy at trailhead and maybe 10 cars in the lot.  Started close to 9 am on dusty trail and clearing skies.  The trail to the basin is well marked and lots and lots of flowers in different stages of bloom and not all at peak as you climb higher but the upcoming warmer temps may change things.  There were 3 or 4 large trees down over the trail which had branches removed and easy to climb over (maybe 2-3 feet above the ground).  The creeks are all running and easy to cross on rocks or even stepping into water.  About 1/2 way in you get to an intersection with a sign leading to the direction of the basin so go left there.  The trail to the right is an actual green trails map trail that heads to another creek trail (and it's also the direction to the boot path for Earl Peak scramble).  We headed to the basin which is a set of switchbacks leading to the backcountry camp which was fairly occupied.  The boot path to climb Bean Peak is just before the camps on your right.  Water is running well at the camps.  There was evidence of fire pits being utilized and I'm not sure if this is allowed (need to check) as it is so dry out there and there is evidence of past fires higher up.  We had a snack at the camp then started up the trail to Bean Peak.  This trail is steep, dry, and areas of sand/scree but in fairly good shape for a scramble route.  It leads first to the saddle with fantastic views of the Stuart range and Enchantments. Lots of alpine flowers on the way up.  The scramble route from the saddle to Bean Peak looks fairly straight forward until just near the summit block I could see evidence of higher class moves (maybe class 2) as I watched a couple of scramblers en route.  The scramble route from Earl Peak leading to the saddle was very clear as it runs the ridge.  We saw maybe 10 people above the basin including 2 on the saddle who had come down from Earl and were climbing Bean.  We hung out in the cool breeze and admired the surrounding amazing views then carefully headed down.  Poles and good footwear were a must especially with a small dog in tow.  Got back to the basin, ate, got some water, chatted with some campers from Michigan and made a cup of coffee.  Hiked back out and soaked our feet at the creek area near the parking lot.  Amazing relatively short outing with great views!  Got lucky with traffic on the way back to Seattle too.  It was good to see the route from a different angle.  I scrambled Earl and Iron peaks many years ago and would like to do this Bean/Earl circuit.

Of note:  There is a missing person/search sign at the trailhead which has been all over the news which you can see if you go to this and surrounding trails.

This is a beautiful flower filled hike. The road is fine. We did need to cross a log bridge that was a bit dicy for our aged group (70's and 80). We took our time and got passed by almost everyone. Still we made it to the meadow and were delighted to see it was filled with blooming Indian paintbrush. Going down was faster. There are beautiful vistas from almost everywhere on the trail. 

After pivoting from a different trip due to weather, I ended up in the Teanaways for a quick overnight to take advantage of my day off work. Camped in Bean Creek Basin and did a link-up of Earl Peak to Bean Peak to Volcanic Neck.

Got to the Beverly Creek TH around 4 PM… there were only two other vehicles, I met both parties on my way in as they headed out from day trips. I was surprised to be the only person camping at Bean Creek Basin, but I guess I got lucky!

The hike to the basin is straightforward. Brushy in some areas but always a clear trail to follow. It’s not a long hike but you’ll get a little elevation in!

Basin has plenty of campsites and Bean Creek is running nicely for a camp water source. Shooting stars are in full bloom and give a sort of purple haze across the basin floor!

Had a peaceful night and in the morning I was in no rush… set out around 8 AM and backtracked just a tad to hit the trail to Earl Peak. Trail is in good condition; some loose stuff near the top where it starts to get steep. Class 2 the whole way. Gorgeous views of Rainier, Adams, and the whole Stuart range. There is also a summit register.

From Earl I took the “unmaintained trail” along the long spine that connects over the Bean. The actual climbers trail faded in and out but if you just sort of stay high on the ridge, you’ll get there. It fun to see my tiny tent way below and I worked my way to Bean.

Bean is a fun little scramble. Class 3 in places where you have to climb a bit vertically, but it’s pretty much all very protected. No specific need for a helmet but ymmv.

I continued down the other side of Bean and back onto the long ridge that heads to Volcanic Neck. VN is a COOL looking piece of rock. It sits on the crumbling ridge almost like a big molar in a jaw and sort of looks out of place.

As you approach, continue around VN (hiker’s right; follow the trail) and on its backside is the gully you start the scramble. I dropped my pack here and put on my helmet. There is a LOT of loose rock so especially if you’re with others, a helmet is a good idea. I sent plenty of loose stuff down below me as I went up.

The actual scramble was not as spicy as I expected from other reports. It’s what I’d call heavy Class 3 with some Class 4 moves here and there. There IS a lot of exposure and areas where a fall would be… bad… so I think individual comfort level will vary depending on how much experience you have in this sort of terrain. I felt solid the whole time, but was also very careful about testing holds before trusting anything, as the rock isn’t always as it seems.

From the top, gorgeous views! I could have stayed all day.

Heading down was fine with careful butt-scooching and down-climbing.

Picked up my bag at the bottom and headed back the way I came. Back up and down Bean and then descended to the basin, packed up camp, and hiked out.

Lots of flowers blooming right now and tons of little butterflies. No mosquitos or bad bugs that I noticed, but a breezy night probably helped.

Trail is VERY exposed to the sun throughout so pack protection and plenty of water.

We hiked Bean creek all the way to Bean Peak. We started at 7 AM from the parking lot for the Bean Creek Basin Trail, and it took us about three hours to get all the way to the summit of Bean peak. The trail itself is lovely. The creek is running alongside you much of the way and there are a few easy creek crossings. There were three or four blow downs, but nothing that couldn’t easily be navigated. Most of this trail is in the sun, so a hat and sunscreen and other sun protection are important. Poles are probably absolutely necessary if you’re going to the peak. Once you come out of the basin, it’s switchbacks with loose dusty dirt and rocks and then when you get to the top, you’re treated to a lovely view of the Stuarts. The scramble to the top of Bean peak is class three and class four. If you can make it all the way to the peak, you will have a 360° view of all the local mountains and quite a few off in the distance. Coming down was a bit tricky on that slippery scree until you get back to the basin. We were out there about six hours and when we got back, the parking lot was completely full.