Sleeveless
New member
started out in a heavy shower but soon took off the rain pants and a layer. The sun came out for 5 min. then it would rain again then it turned to sleet and finally snow probably covering the ground around 3000'. at least it gave some traction on the ice and monorail. We put on microspikes when the snow covered everything and you couldn't tell where the ice was. The Garfield ridge trail to the top had a lot of snow which actually made it easier to climb than the bare boulders and ledge would have been. Very windy and icy on top but the clouds did lift a little while we were there so we were rewarded with some views. The west branch of the Gale River was running fast and furious and the 2 water crossings were difficult, you did have to get your boots into some water. On the return the first crossing was easier in that direction and we crossed the snowmobile bridge and bushwacked to avoid the 2nd crossing. Probably close to half of the trail was a running brook with lots of mud. Up at about 3000' (as a guess) remains of a monorail started but the stick snow made for good traction until the ice increased so we put on microspikes. there was about an inch of new snow on the steep parts above the junction but there was a couple of feet of snow that was well packed so it was easier going than the bare rocks would have been.Despite the showers, mud and water it was still a good hike.
