Mt. Howard - September 2009 Nason Ridge

So after many unsuccessful attempts Carrie finally got to the top of Mt. Howard. You can see her complete trip report here on WTA.

This is a long trip no matter where you start. We (Carrie) chose the Snowy Creek trail #1531, which becomes trail #1583 after crossing the creek. The trail climbs to a saddle at 6200' on Nason Ridge S of Rock Mtn. Great views begin once you leave the trees on the open slope below the saddle.

From the saddle, drop to Rock Lake and follow the trail as it traverses around the north end of the lake and then east around a spur ridge en route to Crescent Lake. At the east end of the lake, we crossed the outlet and followed the path of least resistance through open forest to a talus slope and the major cliff band mid way to the summit.

We left the trees just right (east) of the talus slope and used it and a bench to get up through the cliffs. Once above the cliff band, it's a straight forward scramble up talus and heather to the rocky summit.

For the first time in quite a while we actually found a summit register. Seems they've been disappearing. Those who think registers are something of a blight or otherwise diminish their fantasy of unmarked wilderness or a first ascent should really get over themselves.

I've always thought summit registers provided a fun link to the community of people who climb and scramble in the Cascades.

The sun was bright as we relaxed and had something to eat on the summit. The wind was cold though, feeling for the first time like fall was just around the corner. Neil decided that he was going to be slow getting down all the talus with a sore ankle so he left a little before the rest of us. Funny, he moves pretty fast for being so slow.

But it really was time anyway. We had 7 miles to go to reach the cars and we'd be gaining another 1000' or so just to get back to Nason Ridge. As it was we left the summit a little after three and made the cars a little after 8:00pm. Roughly the same time up and back.

We didn't get hiking until after 10:00am, so an earlier start would be a good idea. But go prepared for a long day no matter what. The miles and gain are roughly the equivalent of climbing St. Helens if I remember correctly. Doesn't seem like too many people do this peak each year. Understandable given the drive, mileage and gain.

No stop for dinner on the way home as it was late and work loomed on Monday.