Lucky Laura
Active member
Thought this was worth posting since I cannot recall better condtions ever for this hike.
Started kind of late- just before 7am from the Beaver Brook Wayside. Snow was nice and hard - the temperature was in low 20s. Reached the summer trailhead of Gale River and found nothing but firm, well packed snow all the way up. It seemed almost effortless- all rocks covered up- you could almost ski down this trail.
The route broken out from the Hut to Galehead - another cinch as a couple of spots which normally can be a slight scramble were like a snow ramp. Views were crystal clear and morning sun was warming things up comfortably.
Climbing South Twin was another breeze. I could not get over what a cake walk it was- just a smooth, packed powder ramp to the summit. It was far easier than anytime in summer. Heading over to N Twin, the route seemed to deviate from the norm in spots but no complaints- it worked. Decided to head down N Twin trail as it has been awhile since I've toured the Little River. Going down the steeps here were a number of postholes. The route was choppier than anything up till then but it was not much of a nuisance. Changed from my wet long sleeve shirt into dry short sleeves for rest of the day. Reaching the river area, the sun had warmed up the snow a bit but it only stuck slightly for a short while. The rest of the route was mostly shaded and a breeze to walk out to the summer trailhead and on to Little River Road. Did the road walk and hitched a lift back from Twin Mt to my car with a nice nordic skiing family.
I saw no one on this gorgeous day. But it was great to hear the whip poor wills and other feathered friends throughout the day.
Started kind of late- just before 7am from the Beaver Brook Wayside. Snow was nice and hard - the temperature was in low 20s. Reached the summer trailhead of Gale River and found nothing but firm, well packed snow all the way up. It seemed almost effortless- all rocks covered up- you could almost ski down this trail.
The route broken out from the Hut to Galehead - another cinch as a couple of spots which normally can be a slight scramble were like a snow ramp. Views were crystal clear and morning sun was warming things up comfortably.
Climbing South Twin was another breeze. I could not get over what a cake walk it was- just a smooth, packed powder ramp to the summit. It was far easier than anytime in summer. Heading over to N Twin, the route seemed to deviate from the norm in spots but no complaints- it worked. Decided to head down N Twin trail as it has been awhile since I've toured the Little River. Going down the steeps here were a number of postholes. The route was choppier than anything up till then but it was not much of a nuisance. Changed from my wet long sleeve shirt into dry short sleeves for rest of the day. Reaching the river area, the sun had warmed up the snow a bit but it only stuck slightly for a short while. The rest of the route was mostly shaded and a breeze to walk out to the summer trailhead and on to Little River Road. Did the road walk and hitched a lift back from Twin Mt to my car with a nice nordic skiing family.
I saw no one on this gorgeous day. But it was great to hear the whip poor wills and other feathered friends throughout the day.
