Three Fingers — Saturday, Jun. 27, 1998

North Cascades > Mountain Loop Highway

The trail in to Goat Flats is it's usual, gruelingly sloppy self. The only break from the roots and rocks is in the mud holes, and since the mud had spread all over the roots and rocks, it makes quite a grind. Not enough to diminish the joys of a spectacular trip on a great day, though! Hit a few spots of snow on the trail on the forested, north side of the ridge, but the heavy snow cover starts as soon as you reach the lowest edge of the Goat Flats benches. A number of the best camp sites at the upper edge of the Flats, in the tree clusters and along the ridge crest, are bare already, but the trail is still solid snow. The south flank traverse between Goat Flats and Camp Saddle is easy going in soft but stable snow, although in the afternoon a bit of postholing is starting to happen. The north flank traverse beyond Camp Saddle is as ""interesting"" as I've ever seen it. The snow is quite hard, very steep, and even with good steps already established, it really keeps you focused. An ice axe and some comfort with a bit of exposure are highly recommended! Once past the traverse, the last bit up to the summit rock is easy, with thinning snow covering 75% of the route. The rock scramble and those great ladders are as fun as always, and the views from the lookout and the ""balcony"" are hard to beat. An absolutely splendid day in great company!