pauls

I met that thru-hiker at Trail Days in Cascade Locks a few weeks ago and heard the amazing story. I believe his trail name is Wildfire. Good on you for helping the guy out. He said he was planning a triple traverse of the summits. I wonder how the North Sister summit would have gone?

http://www.nps.gov/morningreport/

The other trail that you mention is probably the High Divide trail. It is a more direct approach to the Adams glacier and the start of the climb. You would bypass High Camp. Head up Adams Creek from the jct with the PCT. If you take the Killen Creek to High Camp approach, you'll need to traverse west onto the lower Adams glacier and over to the right side to the start of the climb. Since most climbers descend the North Cleaver, setting up a base at High Camp or above is preferred. Usually the 2329 road is not clear of snow until early July. In early season, its best to approach the Killen Cr TH from the Randle side (23 road) because the road holds late snow between Takhlakh Lake and High Divide TH. The Forest Service office in Randle will have the best information on road conditions.

You still have a chance at your first winter ascent but technically you'll need to wait until the 21st.

You can drive to Cold Springs now.

Yes there is meltwater coming from the snowfields below the Lunch Counter but only when its warm enough. Our source froze up Sunday morning after we had some cool weather move through. The temp dipped below 40 degrees. Currently, there are no glaciers present at Lunch Counter but conditions are sure to change.

When we did that route we did not climb on the knife edge ridge. We traversed below it on the south side through the boulders and joined the ridge further east.

http://www.nwhikers.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=7991943

We left an IPod and charger in a small blue Thermarest bag just up the Pole Creek trail on Friday night 6/24/10. Probably left it right on the wilderness sign - Duh!!! It was a gift from my wife and almost new, so I'll gladly pay a reward. Thanks!