Yakima County Highpoint Trip Report
Date: June 10, 2007
Author: Shannon Dillmore
Weather was forecast to be lousy and it was. Our plan was to try to climb above
the bad weather, camp at the Lunch Counter, and possibly make a summit attempt
the next day. We didn't know what the weather was like above 6,000 feet due to
the clouds but figured we'd give it a shot. Due to circumstances beyond our control,
by the time we checked in at the ranger station and arrived at the
trailhead (which due to recent snowmelt had just become passable by car),
it was 3:30 pm.
The trail was snow-free for about a mile but deep snow quickly followed.
The weather was getting worse and visibility was dropping quickly as a wet snow
moved in. We got to timberline around 6:15, where the rocky outcrop just south
of the Crescent Glacier was visible. The rock quickly disappeared into the
clouds and we soon could see no further than 20 yards. We considered camping
there for the night but the poor forecast for the next day, coupled with
increasing wind and precipitation, made us realize that a summit the next day
would be unlikely. Reluctantly, we returned to the car and drove back to
northern Oregon.