Hardesty-Mt. June

April 23, 1989

Despite a forecast for a lowering snow level, four of us set out to hike to Mt. Hardesty and Mt. June, hoping the forecast was wrong. On Crale Creek Road just before the Hardesty Trail crossing we passed a new large clearcut complete with a new logging road, wended our way through heavy equipment and arrived at the top of Crale Creek Road. In a light mist we scrambled up the steep bank and found the Hardesty Trail in its usual place. At about the 3,000-ft. level the mist turned to snow as forecast. We arrived at a cool Hardesty summit to about an inch of fresh snow. Our pause was short, then we headed on toward Sawtooth. A few fallen trees, especially the vine maple, slowed our progress somewhat. We stopped for a brief lunch break on the rugged open Sawtooth Ridge, though our view was obscured by the continued light snow and fog. This is a varied and beautiful section of trail. Then we managed the steep climb up Mt. June to find the view still “white.” By then we were all in different stages of dampness, and came to the realization that we were only halfway through our hike. We still had the return 7 miles to walk, so off we went with pain in our knees and bruises on our toes. At 3,000 feet we left the snow and returned to the mist. But somehow, it was a mostly enjoyable trip with good companions and lots of exercise. Hikers were all Obsidians, Emmy Dale, Hans Schock, Herb Lee and leader Betty Macy.

Home About Us Our Activities Contact Us Join Us Gallery Outdoor Links Members Only