Navaho Pass, Navaho Peak — Thursday, Apr. 30, 2015

Snoqualmie Region > Salmon La Sac/Teanaway

After failing miserably and turning around in a full blown snow storm a few weeks ago, it was time for a second try. Lots of weekday road work on the Teanaway road; expect delays. The dirt part of the N Fork Teanaway Rd has just been graded and you can go as fast as you dare. The 2 plus miles on the side road to the Stafford Ck TH are bumpy and rocky as always but easily driven albeit slowly. As reported previously, the 4 plus miles to the major trail junction is in good shape; one significant creek log walk or rock hop; and several tree blowdowns. Bring a hand saw and cut out a few branches. The flowers are great in this section; trillium, glacial lilies, and even a few calypso orchids. Past the junction, the trail is mostly snow free to "the meadow" which is melting out but the trail is obscured. The meadow is very boggy so stick to the snow even with the occasional posthole. If the trail is obscured, follow a bearing of 50 to 60 degrees until you hit the trail again. The "moonscape" is also snow covered so follow a bearing of 330 degrees until you see the bare trail leading to Navaho Pass. The views of the Stuart Range are great from here but you have to head towards Navaho Peak to see Mt Stuart proper. Follow the County Line trail for about .3 miles and then veer upwards following the ridge. The "trail" does appear periodically and the snow is spring-like. The trail does go parabolic for a ways but that area is now mostly loose dirt and a few occasional snow patches. Then there is a bunch of snow to near the summit but the summit block is snow free. Stats: 13 plus miles and 4100' net gain; a long day for this curmudgeon.