So I have this thing where I like to tweak the familiar into something different. It keeps even trails I've hiked a ton fresh and exciting. The latest iteration of this is on and around Stegosaurus Butte. There's a short trail to the summit that I use frequently. I recently introduced Tilly and we had a great time.
The butte rises from the thick forest between two other trails. I've circumnavigated it and, aside from the creek crossing and Devil's club on the exit, it's a great walk in the lush forest. I've also explored down from the summit along the ridge, but bailed when it wasn't clear I'd be able to retreat. Maybe this was the chance to prove I could go up the northwest end (where the current trail is) and come down the southeast end to join up with some climber's trails.
As usual, it's the dogs that take the brunt of my less than prudent ideas. (To be fair, HOS has experienced more than a few of those, too, but he was doing trailwork for WTA on this occasion.) In the oozing rain, I hiked upstream along the Middle Fork and then took the climber's trails to the southeast end of the butte. The trails were even less developed than on the northwest side, but did the job and got me higher on the southeast side than ever before.
However, I had both dogs, was otherwise solo, and it was raining. Not the best conditions to push it. So I bailed again. This makes three times I've tried and failed.
But maybe the fourth time will be the charm?
📍On the lands of the Snoqualmie people.
