and then continues as a very nice old road / trail,
to another crossing of the creek (the clothsline is apparently for spiritual guidance only),
before continuing to become NFD 508 and then a very well graded old road / trail,
that took me all the way to the Bluff Mtn trail (172) on the ridge crest above,
and the first big view of Silver Star and Bluff Mtn,
and Three Corner Rock (arrow) to the E.
You don’t realize it in passing, but the Bluff Mtn trail is well carved into the cliffs below Bluff Mtn.
The beargrass had all gone to seed but that left room for a riot of other flowers in a variety of colors, including a very intense blue (with bug).
Silver Star kept getting closer,
and, because it was something of an active weather day, the clouds were making amazing designs in the sky.
Further along the trail, I started seeing St. Helens and Pt 3977 on the Starway – at the time I didn’t realize I’d have to climb over this to get back to the TH!
Finally the summit, with its expansive view of (L to R arrows) St. Helens, Rainier, and Adams.
Unlike Pablo’s experience on the weekend, there was only a “crowd” of two sharing the summit with me.
After lunch on the summit, it was back to the Starway Trail (175) and down.
This is largely a use trail, with some sketchy spots (particularly thru the beargrass and in the forest). While it's not off-road, XC, or lost, it's not necessarily for those weak on navigation. Whatever flagging was supposed to be marking the trail is now gone (yeah!), so you’re on your own. Enroute I finally got a view of Hood (previously obscured by clouds).
At about the 3000’ level – where the use trail expands into an old road – I came across this wrecked “shelter” – hunting camp, meth lab, alien outpost (Area 51 after the Sequester?)?
Past this point, the old road / trail starts DOWN
at an angle where it’s sometimes difficult to stand. Whoever built this thing back in the day did not have time for more than 2-3 token switchbacks, so, as long as I could remain upright, I made rapid progress back to the TH.
A fine, but challenging, hike (15 mi RT, 4000’ EG). Clockwise, you start mellow and fight to stay upright during the return. Counter-clockwise, you build immense character during your near vertical climb up from the creek, then get to relax on the old mining road on your return. Something for everyone!
