What could be more Spring than snow patches on a green mountain over a frozen lake under a blue sky?
The Ramparts on a blue sky day in Spring are so amazing I look forward to my first trip into a land of rock and snow each year. In 2015 opening day came early in mid April. Although I'm glad for the superior snow pack this year it meant my first trip was delayed by a month and a half. And I'd have to do it solo.
Timing not withstanding, everything was as it should be. The road to the trailhead was passable if a little more rutted and overgrown. The trail to the lake is still there, but with a few more blowdowns. The lake was frozen making for a quick walk across and the Gully of Doom presented an obstacle keeping the Ramparts from being overrun.
(I did encounter six others trying to find their way in the snow below the lake so I wasn't completely alone until I got into the Ramparts themselves.)
The meadows above the lake were still covered in feet of snow and still firm after a cold night. All the tarns along the route were completely frozen, but when we reached the pass and looked down on the lakes hundreds of feet below we could see their transient blue halos were just forming.
The ridge to the summit is mostly clear of snow, but the rocks at the top are guarded by a six foot moat. As always, the views were spectacular in every direction. This is one of the few hikes in Washington where the views aren't dominated by a volcano. Mt. Rainier is visible on the horizon (as are Baker, Glacier, and Adams), but there's so much else to see it's not the number one draw.
Unlike many hikes, the way down isn't a chore. I packed my snowshoes (my diplomatic Tubbs FLEX VRT, of course) and we glissaded every slope. If ever you question whether Treen enjoys these adventures take a look at this video and you'll never wonder again.
As a bonus the marmots were out and chattering. Whistle! Whistle! Chirp chirp chirp chirp chirp chirp! (Not a bonus, but I did see three other adventurers playing by a tarn.)
It was sad to leave the Ramparts and it was magnified by the descent through the gully. Even with a flexible tail on my snowshoes, the slope was steep enough I down climbed using an axe. The walk back across the frozen lake signified the end of the snow and the real adventure.
From there down it really was just a walk through the woods to the car. As it always is, the first trip of the year left me wanting to go back. I didn't get down to the lakes on this trip, but there's probably a few weeks of good snow down there. Maybe I'll have to head back the next chance I get. (Hint: Foreshadowing.)
