3/28/2026 When you think of the most prominent summits in the state of Washington, what comes to mind? Most people would envision glacier-clad volcanoes like Mount Ranier or Mount Baker, and craggy peaks like Mount Shuksan and Stuart. Surprisingly, a humble, assuming summit called Round Mountain is ranked 8 th  on the list, higher than many of the most notable and rugged peaks in the state. Despite its unassuming profile, Round Mountain boasts 4840 feet of prominence, which p

3/1/2026 Eric and I teamed up for a fun ascent of Oakes Peak, a summit that makes you work for the awesome views of the North Cascades from its summit. Bacon Creek Road (FS 1060) had some potholes as usual, but we were able to drive to nearly the starting point without any problems before our progress was blocked by flood debris that had spilled over the concrete pad that crosses Oakes Creek. I think this jumble of rocks and logs came down during the atmospheric river events

1/27/2026 Mineral Butte is a great winter climb that seems to be getting much more attention now that the Index-Galena Road has been repaired. The climb starts shortly after crossing the North Fork Skykomish River on Salmon Creek Road. The road is gated shortly after the crossing. There is an old, switchbacking logging road on the lower part of the mountain that is quickly being reclaimed by nature. This road can be used to make a gentle ascent up to about 3800’, but with the

1/17/2026 Eric and I enjoyed a nice snowshoe jaunt up to Thomspon Point during the height of the high-pressure system we’ve been enjoying in Western Washington. Incredible snowshoeing conditions We set off up the familiar Granite Creek trail shortly after 8 am, starting from a frosty parking lot. We made quick work of the hike up to the Thompson Lake turnoff, encountering no snow whatsoever until we reached the trail intersection. Here snow was patchy, but eventually became m

1/14/2026 I took advantage of the persistent high-pressure system we’ve been having in Western Washington to stretch the legs and tag Frailey Mountain. This was a road walk the entire way, except for a short climb up to the old lookout site. There were spots with great views of Whitehorse, Three Fingers, and the North Fork Stillaguamish river valley, and only scant amounts of snow. 11 miles in total with nearly 2000 feet of gain coming up from Deer Creek Road at Lake Cavanaug