Wagner Butte 5-27-26

Photos by Nanci

  The weather forecast for today’s hike was far from ideal, but it wasn’t looking any better anywhere else. The forecast called for no measurable overnight snow and less than a 20% chance of rain throughout the morning. Winds of 14–20 mph left me doubting whether we would actually climb to the top for lunch at the viewpoint. However, with much of the hike forested, we would be protected from the wind. 

The three of us started out in temperatures in the 40s under a blanket of damp fog. Since the trail is a steady ascent from the start, we stayed plenty warm in our rain gear. The forest had that moist, fresh smell, and the trail was in good condition—wet but not muddy—and the usual stream crossings were easily negotiated. 

By mile two, patches of snow began to appear, progressing into a fully wet, snow-covered trail, with corn lilies bowing from the wind and moisture, and small wildflowers trying to stand out against the snow. It wasn’t long into the sloppy snow phase of our ascent that the rain started, and continued drizzling as we reached Wagner Glade. At that point, the wet conditions erased any desire to continue up the slushy trail if we couldn’t safely make the climb to the viewpoint platform. With that decision made, we took a moment in the drizzling weather for an eleven o’clock “Hank” lunch before beginning our descent down the trail. 

Fortunately, within the first mile of our return, the skies cleared and the sun transformed the entire experience. We paused to take in the views, and appreciate the green-tailed towhee activity while warming ourselves in the sunshine. When all was done, our hike totaled 7.2 miles with 2,038 feet of elevation gain. 

Nanci