Road Conditions. Salmon la Sac Rd was dry, but surrounded with snow. Parked in a plowed pull-out near the (unsigned) trailhead. Sno-Park permit required, probably.
Trail Conditions. Started out on the Howson Creek Trail, which is a bit closer to the creek than what's shown on maps. Left the trail before it crosses the creek, following old ski and boot tracks intermittently up to Pt 5,159. Smooth sailing from there up to Howson Peak (the unofficial name for the peak to the east, at about 5,400ft). The route is steep but stays in the trees; didn't have concerns about slides other than cornices near the top (NWAC's forecast had moderate danger at mid-elevations). Lots of dead trees, so was glad that there was no wind. Used snowshoes right from the start, but switched to microspikes at ~4,000ft on the way down as the snow was hard enough.
Crowds. Didn't encounter anyone.
Comments
Anna Roth on Howson Peak
Gorgeous photos. I love that sunburst in the second one.
Posted by:
Anna Roth on Jan 17, 2025 10:47 AM
ejain on Howson Peak
Going to start bringing a portable smoke machine on all my hikes 😀
Posted by:
ejain on Jan 17, 2025 11:26 AM