Earl Peak 6-3-2012

We did the Earl Peak in Teanaway.  It is 7036ft tall and has grand views of nearby Mt. Stuart and peaks all around.  During summer, it is one of the popular peaks.  Today it was cloudy, and we met 2 humans at the peak.

I-90 East, exit 85, then to Highway 970 East.  Follow 970 for 6 miles.  At the intersection, turn left on to Teanaway Road which will eventually become N. Fork Teanaway Road.  After 29 Pines campground, the pavement ends and the gravel road splits.  Take the right fork (Road 9737).  In about a mile, you will see the Road 9703 on the right.  Stay on Road 9737 for another 2 miles and then take a right on to Road 112.  This Road 112 is a one-lane gravel road with a few big dips.  At the end of the road is the Beverly Turnpike Trail #1391.

 

We started at the Beverly Turnpike TH. 

Bean Creek was full.  Fortunately, Mountaineers put up a sturdy rope across the creek.  We changed to water shoes and rolled up the pants.  Because water was raging, dogs  got leashed and crossed one at a time.  

Champ is next.  Can you see Sly waiting far back?  

Sly did not want to cross the creek. He had to be carried, both ways.  Champ is patiently waiting for Sly to cross.

We then crossed a snow bridge.  There were many.  

Then cross country up.  The summer trail was all covered in snow.  Whichever way is doable was the way we went.  

Champ at the Earl Peak: there was a white plastic tube under a rock with a registry in it.  We all duly signed our names.

Blue on the Earl Peak

4 boys and impressive Stuart range

Champ checking out the peak

Time to go.  We spotted clear areas and all glissaded down.  It was a lot of fun.  

Flowers are beginning to bloom.  Trillium ovatum

Pulsatilla: they grow in high altitudes.   

We had lots of fun. There is a bit of scrambling to do near the peak. Snow will probably be there for at least another month.  Creek crossing was exciting.  Glissading was fun.  And treats were tasty.  We came home, got washed off, chewed trachea, and had a big dinner.