May 22-23, 2001, Heliotrope Ridge, Mt. Baker

The road still has snow on it starting about 0.5 mile from the trailhead. We were stopped at a shady corner the first day, but got several hundred yards further the second day. Four wheel drive or a sense of adventure should get you within 0.25 mile of the TH. Have to hike the trail until it breaks out of the forest at the edge of the moraine. We rated the snow "very good", best of the year so far. Execellent weather and fantastic views. While we were making a run, ravens visited our packs, which we had left at the top. They unzipped both packs and stole all our food. The second day we were prepared and they didn't get any food, but still managed to open some pockets and pull everything out. Amazing critters.

PaulC