Ruckel Ridge and down Ruckel Creek 3-24-12

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Went up Ruckel Ridge and across the Benson Plateau and then down Ruckel Creek Trail yesterday (3/24). Was one of the more difficult hikes for sure. Luckily the weather was fantastic all day long or we would have turned-back and descended the Ruckel Ridge - something not enjoyable. Don't have pictures but here is the story. The trail above Buck Point - expected to be muddy and sloppy was in great shape and we easily made it onto the actual ridge and enjoyed the views and early grasswidows and other wildflowers. Heading up we ran into snow about 1300ft but insignificant. Significant snow started showing up about 1900ft and then all the way up for sure. The snow had a lot of water in it which made for some dicey slipping on the exposed ridges but not too bad if you are careful. Up further and further until we got to the famous catwalk (on which we saw some 4 inch wide cat prints - very nice touch from some cougar earlier in the day(s)). The snow levels at the Catwalk were easily one feet of slippery wet snow and while one of our group went across, the rest chose the bypass and we had to use a hand line to safely get down given the steep slippery snow chute. Above the Catwalk we did go-off trail to bypass one of the pinnacles since it looked just too dicey with the snow and wet moss and steepness. Back on the trail we started the last 600ft of serious elevation gain and were kicking steps in two feet of snow. We did take a wonderful break about half-way up on the prominent overlook and then continued up about another 300ft to the Benson and actually found the old Wilderness Permit Sign-in box. We put on snowshoes on the Benson, traversed easily over to the creek and then up the other side and found the Ruckel Creek Trail with the clear orange dots on the trees. The Benson had about four feet of snow - maybe two feet of new wet and crusted snow and another two plus of old snow. Coming down the Ruckel Creek trail was interesting as we slipped and slide on with snowshoes on the steep sections but we eventually made it to the first hanging meadow at about 2200ft where the views and our tired legs said take another break which we did. Still maybe 6-8" of snow there but melting fast and no wildflowers but we did find some nice bear tracks (we think). One downward we had little problems with the steep switchbacks and staying on the trail.
Overall, very strenuous even with alternating some leads in kicking steps. Just slow slogging up that ridge and across the Benson and slow descent. If we get freeze cycles there should be additional problems but if not, the route is definitely open and tracked for people to follow and enjoy but do plan on a long, hard day.

[pablo]

Tom,

Thanks for posting, I was wondering what conditions were on the Benson - I think I'll do low elevation stuff until the snow sets up a bit. Sounds like you guys had a memorable day...

--Paul

[Jack]

Thanks for the report, Tom. Sounds like last week's snow dump did as expected! Also sounds like a hardy group! "Great Job" to all!