Jordan - in that upper gully, just before, or as you got to the difficulties, if you would have looked left(not very intuitive), there was a much better route. it is class 3 and solid rock and would have led you to the stout tree.
for details see: http://www.nwhikers.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=7976622
credit big steve for giving me the heads up on this excellent variation.
:>)
ps - someday i hope to do another trip with you :>)