Mount Rose

August 8, 2015

The trail to the summit of Mount Rose is one I have avoided for a few years, due to reports from hiker friends about how steep it is, and allowing them to convince me it's too tough for me. The trail guides classify this trail as strenuous, challenging, difficult, and expert; the one term they all agree on is 'steep'. I am so glad I put those comments aside and struck out for the top. The view from the summit was well worth the journey to attain it.

Friends Holly, Jeanne and I left the trailhead at 8am - not an overly early hour, but early enough to take in the lingering smell of morning in the forest. Heavenly. They need to bottle that aroma. The trail began innocently enough, allowing us a little time to stretch our legs before the trail started its meandering climb up the mountain.

We hiked uphill, through a forest that has seen two fires in the past 100 years. Survivors with scorched bark, and new growth stood side-by-side with the skeletons of the trees that succumbed to the flames. The silence, near absolute, was only occasionally broken by a lone bird and, for a short time, a nearby stream. It gave plenty of time for personal reflection and quiet conversation amongst ourselves. From time to time our efforts were rewarded with views of Lake Cushman below us, and the neighboring peaks that surrounded us.

Taking a breather

Each section of the trail grew increasingly steeper, carrying us closer to the summit with each step. At one mile we had climbed 1,200 feet and attained 1,990 in elevation. Less than two miles in we hit 3,050; we had one mile left to go, with another 1,300 feet to gain! I huffed and puffed my way up, stopping occasionally to catch my breath. At one point we stopped to watch two squirrels playfully chasing each other all over a small tree. Throughout the entire ascent, my legs didn't protest at all - a sign that at least part of my conditioning these past few months has paid off.

The fireweed was blooming in the areas of burn - such a simple little plant but so very pretty. The bright pink was starkly contrasted by the white, green and black of the trees. It was beautiful to behold.

As we drew nearer the summit, the trees thinned and we got sweeping views of Lake Cushman, Hood Canal, Puget Sound and, in the distance watching over us all, Mount Rainier.

Eventually we made it to the summit where we enjoyed the solitude for a bit before being joined by a few other hikers. This isn't a heavily hiked trail, so there were only a half dozen of us at the top. We ate our lunch, chatted to our fellow hikers, rested and rehydrated before we began the knee-challenging descent.

The last little push to the summit

 

 

I was extremely pleased with my ability to hike this trail. It was steep, and in places challenging, but I feel good about my performance. My legs and lungs are taking the ascents with less difficulty, although I definitely have my pace. As usual, I struggled with the descent, but not as much as I have in the past. A short distance from the trailhead I was having trouble lifting my legs high enough to step over roots so will need to give more attention to further developing those muscles over the next few weeks. I noticed, for the first time, my left knee audibly clicking as I ascended. As we sat eating ice cream after the hike, it had gone numb.

What I have noticed these past few hikes is that my recovery time has dramatically reduced. With this I am extremely pleased!

 

Distance hiked: 6.2 miles
Elevation gained: 3,500 feet

Elevation at summit: 4,301 feet