Three Fingers Climb
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- Опубліковано 17 жов 2024
- A long day hike up to the Three Fingers Lookout and back. Dan and I had planned to drive across the sketchy bridge to get up to the trailhead, but found it had been completely blocked off by new large boulders. Instead, we were forced to walk a couple miles up the road and took the "Mountain Meadow Trail" (up Meadow Mountain) to where it meets the standard Three Fingers route at Saddle Lake. We made it to the lookout and back to the car just before dark. A long (25+ mile and 7,500+ total elevation) day in a beautiful area.
I tried to hike up there a while ago. The road is collapsed seven miles before the old parking and the bridge is now a lone platform due to erosion. There is no way you would be able to drive a car up the old road past the parking even if it was not caved in due to how overgrown it is. It’s very sad. I hope something happens to save this trail soon before it becomes inaccessible.
Great video! Thanks for not boring us with a lot of “why I hike/climb” nonsense and just getting to it! You’ve got me inspired to get back home to do more like this.
I moved to GF in 78. First did Three Fingers in 81. Looks like those ladders are the same ones I used.
Used to do the middle peak as well. See if you can find the book: THE MEN. THE MOUNTIAN. AND
A LOOKOUT. It tells the story of the men who built this (and other ) lookouts.
Thanks for the memory recall.
the ladders were installed in 1980 by the everett branch of the mountaineers, who also still maintain the lookout. prior to 1980, there were no ladders after the original ones rotted away in the 1950's and at that time there was no road to the tupso pass area until 1969 so getting to the lookout was almost impossible which is why it was so well preserved and is also why the forest service didn't burn it down in the 1960's.
Enjoyed your video of going up to the Three Fingers lookout. I first went up there with my dad way back in 1965 when I was 16. We hiked up the Meadow Mtn. Trail to Saddle Lake, then the Three Fingers Trail to Goat Flat. We did it as a three day trip and camp two nights at Goat Flat. Climbed up to the lookout on the second day. I still have my dad's 35mm color slides of the trip.
2:50... how are you only in the upper 90s HR?! Bravo, dude. I remember those days in my yoot LOL.
Ladders and spiny hemp rope... GAH!
I’ve been at the lookout about 5 times, climbed the north finger twice and the middle just once. Of course that was up to 40 years ago when you could easily drive to the trailhead. Don’t try it without an ice axe even in October.
Well made. Gorgeous scenery! Amazing meadows... unexpected. You are friendly and handsome as a movie star. The climb up to the hut was terrifying!!!!!!!!!!! Lordy!!!!
Hi Lars... Showed this to my grandsons!
Beautiful. My favorite mountain . Four overnight hikes from trailhead. Haven’t been back since bridge erosion. I would need e-bike now. I’m so thankful for your effort to capture the beauty and power of Three Fingers and the Cascades.
Definitely on my bucket list!
That’s an awesome looking trek! Well done guys!
It’s a great hike, I see bears about every time!
Great video! Looking forward to when I can get up there. That's a bummer about the bridge - I drove my truck around the first rock pile and up almost on to the bridge a couple years ago before I even knew what was beyond it. Now there's no chance of driving to the trailhead but I do have a bike!
Great video
Awesome!!
Is the middle of the week the best time to go? Is the trail fairly deserted?
You guys didn’t spend the night at the cabin?
No. That would be fun but sometimes family/work only allow us one long day. I know Dan stayed up there on his earlier climb. The sunrise looked awesome!
I'd love to tackle this with my sons
What gear would we need? Any ropes?
Not if you go at the right time. Late summer or early fall is your best bet for avoiding most of the snow. At those times you can usually get by with just microspikes/light crampons and a walking ax/trekking poles for the small snowfields that remain. The lookout has fixed ladders/ropes, though you still need to mind your step up there.
@@thorschosen thanks. Gonna start digging up all the info I can on this, first hike of this type for us. Can't wait.
Any advice or info appreciated!
What month did you hike this? I’m planning this trip for mid August and curious how much snow we can expect…
@@leahgraham8118 I believe this was around the end of September. About as little snow as you will likely find
@thorschosen if you had the option again to bike to the original trail head or do the meadow hike cut through, which would you do? And were planning a trip the first week of November. When do you guys typically get the first snow?
I think I would go for the bike option. It would likely be more efficient. And cruising those last 8 miles out on the way down would definitely be nice after such a long hike. Usually I’d say your good weather window ends in October. But it has been a very dry/warm fall, so you never know. I would still expect the mountain to be at least dusted, if not covered, with snow by then. So do keep an eye on the weather and mountain forecast. With less light, much colder temperatures, and the hazards that come with snow, it is a much more committing endeavor when you get into the late fall/winter months.
I really want to do this hike! Is there an AllTrails trail for it? I looked it up and not sure which one goes to the lookout.
Look up three fingers via goat flats trail
Would be nice if you would let people know where in the world Three Fingers Lookout is located.
Nearest town is Granite Falls, Washington State, USA.
Hey man I’ve done that hike many times but I didn’t know there was another trail, today I went there just to try and find it, I walked 2 miles from the bridge and back and I didn’t find it. Is there any way you can explain to me where exactly is, or how to find it
Thank you!!
Hmm, it’s on your right hand side as you head up the road. I just looked for any entry/trail. Maybe flagging? It was a clear enough trail when we were there
@@thorschosen so is that 1.6 miles from the bridge and is that trail safe?
@@josealmonte3839 yeah, it should be between 1.5-2.0 miles for sure, on your right hand side. It seemed safe and established when we were on it.
Great job and great report! what day of the week was this TIA.
This was Tuesday, 08/24
I really like your wrist watch, what’s the brand?
That’s a Garmin Instinct, basic model. They are great!
Why didn't you spend the night?
Just wasn’t what we were planning on this trip. We both have families and often try to limit our outings to day climbs when we can. But that is still something I would like to do. I will probably plan for an overnighter the next time I go back.
Great. How long time?
It was about a 12 hour day
Great video
What month of the year did you guys hike this? We're planning on going on July and hoping that most of the snow will be melted by then
Yeah, what is the best time to go?
September for sure.