[TR] Three Fingers trail run - Meadow Mtn trail to standard ladder scramble 10/21/2018

[mountainsloth]

Trip: Three Fingers trail run - Meadow Mtn trail to standard ladder scramble

Trip Date: 10/21/2018

Trip Report:

As my free time for frolicking amongst the mighty cascades has shrunk over the past few years, my activities too, have changed with it. 

Trail running has given he the opportunity to tackle mountain objectives in less time. I get to really special places without all the time commitment. The “back in time for lunch” mentality. Although I prefer to soak in ambiance of a glacial cirque, I have developed a deep appreciation for a smash and grab kind of day. 

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Over the past few years, my running buddies and I have slowly pushed our distances, elevation gain and loss, and comfort with venturing onto more technical trails and into more remote areas. 

This run was a real test for us and proud to say we pushed our comfort zones and it paid off. The human body’s limits reside in the mind. 

 

Lesson learned: don’t trust caltopo’s trail distances. What was supposed to be 20 miles ended up being 26!

Combine the awe, love, and uplifting feeling mountain vistas give you with the chemical concoction your body produces during a long, sustained effort and you’ve got the recipe for the best drug on the planet. 

12 years here and still so very much in love with our Cascades.

Gear Notes:
Brooks Cascadia trail shoes, MSR bladder

Approach Notes:
The road is closed after 8 miles just before it turns west.

[JasonG]

That wouldn't be at all fun for me, but glad it is for somebody!  That is one of my favorite trips, though I haven't been since the road was closed.  Thanks for the reminder to go back!

[genepires]

based upon the two maps shown, it looks like the place where road blocked is the left hand turn on that caltopo you show?  how much road walking to trailhead?  seems like it should be 2.5 miles one way?  (assuming the trail is 9.5 mile one way?)

I tried a solo winter climb of that but had to bust trail through to much road and only made it to tree line before pooping out.  would love ot make a fall jaunt before the snows come.  looks real nice.

 

[mountainsloth]

1 hour ago, genepires said:

based upon the two maps shown, it looks like the place where road blocked is the left hand turn on that caltopo you show?  how much road walking to trailhead?  seems like it should be 2.5 miles one way?  (assuming the trail is 9.5 mile one way?)

I tried a solo winter climb of that but had to bust trail through to much road and only made it to tree line before pooping out.  would love ot make a fall jaunt before the snows come.  looks real nice.

 

Hey Gene, from the road end it’s roughly 2 miles to the trail then another 10-11 miles of trail. However, if you want to walk it in a day I recommend this beta.

the late great Doug Walker helped to put this more direct route in. Expect very steep mostly trailless forest travel but doable in a day with much less mileage  

 

[genepires]

Looks a little frosty right now!