The trail to the Summit became snow covered as we gained altitude

Goats Notes for Mt Zion

November 28, 2011

On this Monday Morning in late November, there were 12 goats gathering in the carpool parking area. It appeared to be the beginning of a wonderful day with the sun rising, few clouds, and a good forecast. However the cool weather of the prior week brought some concern regarding road conditions for Marmot pass trailhead.

Alternatives were discussed. Mt Zion was mentioned and soon quickly confirmed – some indicated that after Thanksgiving weekend they had a bunch to do and a short day was welcomed. (What is more important on a Monday than a day of hiking?). So, drivers with 4 wheel drive vehicles were popular and shortly three vehicles were headed to Quilcene Ranger station and on to Mt Zion.

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Goats’ Notes, Notch Pass hike

November 21, 2011

Notch Pass hike, assorted photos

In spite of the fearsome weather forecast, a van full of Goats decided to have faith in the Luck of the Monday Hikers and headed for Marmot Pass. But we soon found ourselves on a
road with deepening snow, and decided to head back and do Mt Walker. As we neared the turn to the Notch Pass trail Jim T. suggested that instead and we quickly agreed.

The trail was snow-free for the first 1000’ feet of so of elevation gain. Although it was not raining the load of fresh snow falling from the tree branches allowed us to make good use of our high-tech rainwear. The Luck of the Monday Hikers held though, and we even saw some blue sky.

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Goat Notes of our Hike

Monday, November 14, 2011

- Gunda -

Ed on top

Two car loads of Goats headed to Griff Creek – a 2.8 mile, 3000 foot climb at low elevation that is a favorite autumn / early spring hike of this group.

The Griff Creek trail starts immediately behind the Ranger Station on the main road into the Elwha area. It climbs gently at first in dense forest and then more steeply to several ledge overlooks of the valley. Beginning elevation is 390’, and “End of Trail” is 3300’, in 2.8 miles.

Ed and Ken reach the first view point …..we expected snow, but non was to be had.
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Nov 7th, 2011

as seen by Jack McCarn

Hi Hikers,

Tunnel Creek

Does anyone know where the name for Tunnel Creek originated?

This picture would suggest that maybe John had found it, if in fact, as it looks, the Creek is coming out of a Tunnel here.

Here we go on another enthusiastic hike on a very well known trail. The “Adventure” comes from what we do not know. Such as, I didn’t know that hiking only one of every three Mondays for a couple of months would make the “flat hike” to the Shelter so steep. “Uffda” comes to mind, a term I’ve heard around Poulsbo. The lesson to be learned here is, “If you are going to keep on hiking, you had better keep on hiking”.

Trailhead temperature was 31.3º F. No precipitation forecasted until afternoon. No wind.

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MARMOT PASS VIA BOULDER SHELTER

10/24/11

as seen by Jim Thrash

Temperatures were cool, (35 deg at the parking lot)

Dull and dreary weather on Kitsap gave way to clearer skies and occasional sun patches as we drove to the Upper Dungeness trailhead (2500’). 11 Goats unloaded, crossed the bridge and began the gentle first mile to the bridge at Royal Creek (1 mile, 2900’), and on to Camp Handy (3.4 miles, 3100’). Here the trail steepens a bit for the stouter climb to Boulder Shelter (6.4 miles, 4950’).

Most Goats then continued on to Marmot Pass, (8.1 miles, 6000’) with various stops to drop packs, have some munchies, or just push on. So, with an overall elevation gain of 3500’, and an overall distance of 16+ miles, it made for one of the longest hikes of the year. However, the trail was very smooth, very few rocks and roots, a few stream crossings, and very enjoyable, (at least for the first few miles!)

After leaving Boulder Shelter, we began the long 8 miles back. While it was a big day, everyone agreed the smooth trail made for a great hike.

Jim

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