Tronsen Ridge — Saturday, May. 9, 2009

Central Cascades > Blewett Pass

The road to the northern trailhead (Five Mile Road/FS 7224) is now virtually melted out. Still some snow 1/4mi before the trailhead, but that's so close as not to matter. The road does seem more brushy & rutted than ever. You'll probably need a truck or a subaru to get up it in one piece. The trail is snow free for the first 1/2mi or so, then there are patchy areas of snow that you'll sometimes sink into about 2ft. Once you've got up to the ridgeline, it's often easier to walk off trail (on the ridge itself) and avoid the snow patches. Views were lovely of the Stuart range (lots of snow there), and the lower half of Rainier. Flowers; not quite out yet. Some Balsamroot, Avalanche lilies, Spring Beauties, Yellowbells, thats about it. Probably another couple of weeks before the real show. Get up there soon--no motorcycles allowed till June 15th!