Myrtle Creek Ski

After the majority of the snow melted in the valley this week due to temperatures in the 40's, we decided to head to the mountains and test the snow for skiing. Myrtle Creek road is one of our favorite destinations because the open hillsides allow for views and wildlife sightings. Wildlife was plentiful today, as we spotted 14 moose--with at least four bulls--and several mule deer.

In this burn we spotted seven moose and several deer. 

The moose have been frequenting the road and creating a significant trail in the process. However, their tracks are too uneven to ski in. We still had plenty of room to make our own tracks.

Waxing the skis the first time. 

Quick snack break

We skied 3.25 miles up the road from the truck, which we parked at the road leading to the Snow-Tel station. A nice fire keep us warm at lunch and while we waxed our skis the second time. The descent was fast, just 38 minutes to reach the truck.

How could we have forgot the smokies and marshmallows? 

Total skiing time: 1 hour 37 minutes. Distance 6.5 miles. A great trip to start the skiing season.

Fisher Peak without the view

We awoke to sunny skies and decided to hike/hunt the Fisher Peak trail. The weather decided to change and slowly socked in the mountains as we were hiking.

Snow covered trail on the way to Fisher Peak

There was no snow at the beginning of the trail and the larch were golden in the sunlight. As we climbed higher the clouds rolled in while the snow became more substantial. At the peak there probably was six to eight inches of snow and the wind was cold. 

Even though the peak was socked in, we decided to summit it anyway. The view was limited to a few hundred feet. We unfortunately couldn't glass for any animals. The concrete remnants of the fire lookout poked out of the snow. The man who manned the lookout had quite a hike to reach it. 

Lookout remnants on top of Fisher Peak

Wildlife was abundant but not visible, except for one grouse and a few pine grosbeaks. We crossed several deer tracks and there was even of set of deer tracks in our tracks on the way down. We also crossed one set of moose tracks and a set of bear tracks. 

Pine grosbeaks eating seeds from cones

The whole trip of 10.5 miles took six hours--four hours up and two hours down. We arrived at the pickup before dark thankfully, even though we were carrying headlamps. Another great day to be in the mountains.