South Bessemer Mt 11-20-2011 and 5-12-2012

We hiked South Bessemer on November 20, 2011 and again on May 12, 2012.  Snow was deep in November and was slushy on last Saturday.  I added pix from November as well as from last Saturday.  I-90 east, exit 34.  Turn left and go under the freeway for 1/2 mile.  Turn right  to SE Middle Fork Rd, aka Forest Rd 56.  About 7.4 miles from I-90, look for a gate on the left labeled DNR 905.  There is a room for 2 cars.  Discover pass required.  SE Middle Fork Road is recently graveled which filled miserably deep pot holes.  Time to do Middle Fork hikes before all the gravel disappears.

We went cross country and shaved off a few switchbacks, about1.3 miles.  Hike distance 11.67 miles and 4082 ft elevation gain.  Highest point 5028 ft.

Decommissioned water cannon.  It was made by Pacific Car & Foundry Co. in Renton, WA.  

Snow-flocked trees in November, 2011.

Champ

 Russian Butte

 May 12, 2012

 That's South Bessemer and Bessemer Mountain on the right.

 Ridge to the peak was windy and narrow and a little scary.

 View east from the peak

 Moolock Mountain: I plan to hike there before pot holes return on SE Middle Fork Rd.

 Valley:  is that Pratt River?

 View east

 View east: I can see Stuart range.

The hike was 90% on logging road except at the very top.  It was exposed, sunny, and very hot.  I should choose a shaded trail on a sunny day.  We had lots of fun nonetheless.  We saw only one person as we were descending.