Mount Baldy — Thursday, May. 7, 2026

So the plan was for the 3 of us to get a decent workout but primarily see some wildflowers, especially east of the crest and hopefully some in the alpine area up higher.  We had thought to do Easton Ridge but opted for Mount Baldy as it is a little longer and it was new to all of us.  

We got out of town close to 730 and traffic going east was uneventful.  It was clearing up more and more as we headed further east.  Followed the directions for the Easton Ridge hike because the Mount Baldy directions did not seem familiar or make sense and we knew both these hikes start at the same trailhead.  I think there were 2 cars in the lot when we arrived.  It was nice and cool out (I opted for summer hiking pants and sun protection clothing).  We started hiking close to 0900.  The very first part of the trail is flat with a bridge over a quite full stream.  Then the steep switchbacks begin as you head towards the Easton Ridge trail.  We started looking to the sides of the trail immediately looking for flowers.  Lots of Trillium, Service Berry, and Curry in bloom.  Then we hit the gold mine around 1 mile in seeing clusters of Fairy Slippers (orchids) which is always a treat.  Also lots of Sand Wort, miners lettuce, ferry lanterns, coltsfoot, and vanilla Leaf.  We were moving pretty swiftly and I'm sure there are others I'm not mentioning.  When we hit the first trail intersection and made a left to head towards Baldy (away from Easton Ridge), we started to see more alpine flowers like phlox, balsam root, some paint brush, Lomatia, and many flowers new to me.  Also the Glacier Lillies were best after 2 miles in.  The steep trail continues on up then you top out on a ridge, descend a bit then climb to the summit.  Still lots of flowers to admire but there are still some not in full bloom in the last 1.5 miles to the summit.  The summit block has a steep drop off but 360 views of Rainier, Adams, a tip of Glacier Peak, the Enchantments, Mount Daniel and Cle Elum lake.  It's cool to identify peaks like North and South Ingalls, Navaho Peak, and the peaks in the Enchantments of course.  We actually took a break about 3/4 mile from the summit on the way up because it was needed.  The final push was then fine.  We snacked on the rocky, wildflower laden summit thinking of other places to go.  I also feel grateful to have the opportunity and ability to travel to these wonderful summits.  We  began the descent and needed to be careful in the scree/sand/loose rock steep areas so not to fall.  Poles are helpful for sure.  We stopped and took pictures along the way.  The descent was not alot quicker than the ascent.  There are 3 very large (2 1/2 ft in diameter) trees down.  I'd say 2 are in the first 2 miles.  You need to step up and climb or sit and roll over them.  Only 1 smaller tree down, a shaggy little pine.  Of note is the massive slide area about 3/4 mile from the summit.  It's bare packed dirt/sand and pretty extreme angle dropping in the abyss.  It looks to be a landslide area but hard to tell.  Very little vegetation on this gigantic swath of land.

Had a great outing!  If you are hunting for wildflowers and want a descent climb, this is your place.