Elain on Domerie Ridge (our turn-around point on the ridge)
We were planning on a hike in the Phelps Creek
area, but given the poor weather forecast decided against driving 6
hours to very likely get soaked and have no views. We still wanted to
get out for a
short easy hike, so decided to try the Easton area, off exit 70 on I-90
(left over the freeway, left at the sign to FS Road 4818, right at FS
Road
4818, another right onto a dirt road, and on to the trailhead at the
end). We started on the Easton Ridge trail at about 10:15 AM. After
crossing the river, the trail ascended through forest, then clearcuts,
then forest again. The trail bifurcated after about 1000' elevation
gain, and we took the Domerie Divide trail to the left (the Easton
Ridge
trail continued to the right ). The trail followed the ridge and
ascended to a very non-descript (with many trees) high point of 4942'.
Here the trail again bifurcated. We were interested in traversing to
Baldy or Thomas, but didn't have a map or much beta and had very little
visability, so were unsure at this point of which way to go. We ended
up
going right and continuing along the ridge for another half a mile
until we arrived at a rock outcropping. It was getting windier and
wetter, so we decided to make this our turn-around point for the day.
We took our time descending the trail and were back at the car around
2:45 PM (quite pleased that our precip had kept us both from getting
very wet). The total distance was 6 miles
and the elevation gain was 2000'.
Elain on Domerie Ridge (our turn-around point on the ridge)
Steve on Domerie Ridge