Eagle Rock - 5615' was the intended destination for this early winter scramble trip.  Before we left the Sultan P&R lot though, it was pretty obvious that there wasn't much of a chance we'd make the summit of Eagle Rock, given conditions.  For the week leading up to the scramble, we had very cold temps and a succession of storms that brought snow all the way down to sea level.  We weren't optimistic about being able to drive very far up the roads leading to the trailhead and unless we could, it was just too far to go on these short winter days.  So we were resigned, but not really too disappointed as we would still get some good exercise breaking trail in dry powdery snow under the cold clear blue skies.
We made it to the turnoff for Rd 65 on Hwy 2, and it was partially blocked as a result of plowing.  The lead Subaru punched a hole in the berm and we were off down the road, just barely keeping the wheels in contact with the track and both cars were having problems high centering.  After 1/3 mile or so, the wheels ruts got deeper still and we weren't able to coax the Subaru's any further.  We dug out a platform on the side of the road and parked.
We booted it up to the junction with Rd 6510 and put on the snowshoes as there had been no wheeled or tracked traffic going this way and the snow was unmarked, deep and fluffy ahead.  We followed to a junction with Rd 6514 and followed it for about 2.5 to 3 miles.  I think we stopped just short of the gate where the summer trailhead is when we reached our 12:30 turnaround time.  The road is what you might expect, being a road and all, not very exciting.  There are a few opportunities for views along the way, but as we all said more than once as we trudged along: "This would be a really nice road to drive!".  As it was, we were able to get back to the cars before the forecast high winds and heavy snow arrived, but by the time we made it down to Sultan and Dan's pizza for dinner it was blowin and snowin pretty good.  Check NWAC for the avalanche forecast.