14 miles of hiking • 3750' elevation gain •
Finally made it up top on Sturgeon Rock! Tried a few times before, but have been stymied by icy or windy conditions, neither of which would make that a fun experience. Didn't get to Grouse Vista until around noon, and headed immediately down the Tarbell Trail so I could do Sturgeon first. I think that made a difference, too, as it's more often an afterthought on the way down. Along the way, I ran into a startling series of DNR signs saying "Timber Sale Boundary" - omg...!
Traveling this direction, a really slick way up Sturgeon Rock becomes obvious in a little meadow. Just follow the old jeep track. And then climb and shuffle across to the top. Simply outstanding views! Must go back on a day without clouds, for the full 5-volcano experience.
Descending, I think I startled a family as I burst out onto the trail from the woods above. Heh, oh well. Decided to hunt down the Spring I'd heard about before. Found it, and it's in very bad shape! Barely dripping. Maybe one drop every 1-2 seconds? Yikes. Not something to rely on this summer!
Had "second lunch" on Star 2, as the main summit was occupied within minutes of me arriving there. Found some nice solitude on the next summit over, and just enjoyed the breathtaking views for at least an hour.
Since it was still just a bit past 4:00, I decided to head down the north ridge, and loop back along Ed's Trail. What fun! Saw some other people, but no where near as many as I might've imagined. Basically had the mountainside to myself. On return south, I tagged the main summit again so I could text home my anticipated trailhead time. Then it was just the long shuffle back down to GV.
Another great day in the mountains!
