It was drizzling on the West side so we headed for Teanaway country. While driving the North Fork Teanaway road we noticed that the south facing ridges were pretty much snow free so we headed for Standup Creek trailhead. Somebody has recently done trail maintenance on the first 3 miles of trail and I would like to say ""Thank you"" they did a marvelous job. The trail crosses Standup creek 5 times and each crossing was a challenge but with a little ingenuity you can get across. The trail was snow free until about 5200 Feet then a long stretch that goes due north was snow covered until you finally turn West and cross Standup creek with the next Stop being the junction of Bean creek trail. The Bean Creek trail is pretty much snow Free to the ridge. Except for about 100 Feet the ridge is snow free to the summit of Earl Peak. There are signs of some rip roaring Avalanches tearing out hundreds of trees all Along the Standup Creek drainage. It must Have a wild winter back in the hills.

The Standup Creek trail is in the Teanaway River area. Take the N Fork Teanaway road to Road 9737 and then follow the signs to the trailhead. The trail is snowfree and appears to have been maintained recently. Trail climbs about 3000 feet to a junction with the Stafford Ck and Bean Ck trails. As you're climbing, take a look back towards Rainier. It was gorgeous. At the junction, we took the Stafford Ck trail. It climbs up to a campsite with a view of the Stuarts. No water at the campsite, but there was still some snow to melt. We had some scary moments when a thunderstorm moved through. I've never been hailed on while hiking before! If you take the Bean Ck trail instead, watch for cairns going up the ridge, not too far from the junction. They are easy to miss and there's lots of animal trails to lead you astray. Many flowers blooming along the trail so this is a good time to go!!