12.5 miles of hiking • 4000' elevation gain •
Decided to try a different route in, this time, and went to the McGee Creek trailhead rather than Top Spur. I like! It starts about 300' lower, and adds a mile or so in each direction. But the trail was entirely deserted, and lined with huckleberries. (Probably some causal relationship there, huh?)
Actually, it being a Friday, I only saw one other person on the way up to the shelter. I did take the Climber's Scramble route, which may have reduced the likelihood somewhat. But that's really the best way up, in my opinion. Reached the 7000' level in just a bit over two hours. Then just soaked it in.
There were a couple ravens hanging out, also enjoying the incredible day. At one point, they chased off an intruding juvenile bald eagle. So exciting to have them whizz just ten or twenty feet from me, before soaring off over the glacier. I think I spent close to two hours at the high point!
Coming down, with some regrets (it was sooooo perfect up high!), I turned right/north on the Timberline Trail, and followed it oh-so-slowly over towards Ladd Creek, before taking the more standard route back down. At the tarns, decided to finally follow the trail that leads north, to see where it goes. Turns out, back over to the Mazama Trail! Okay, mystery solved.
Nabbed a couple cups of huckleberries to bring home (husband points!) on the McGee trail before getting back to the jeep. Another most excellent day on the mountain!
