49. Raspberry Ridge

Distance: 9km but we did further in our wanderings
Elevation: 653m 

On Wednesday, May 18 we caught a sunny day between welcome cloudy, rainy days and chose a southern hike with no snow. Raspberry Ridge is west of Longview; the drive down highway 22 through ranchland and towns with Harry and Tena was a very enjoyable start to the day.
Near the trail head a large flock of sheep stood and lay on the road, our only wild life for the day.

Around 10:30 we set out for the ridge spotting the active fire tower in the distance.

Although it was only the middle of May, there were already flowers blooming; it being an especially early spring. Jacob's ladders were along the trail the whole way and shooting stars were even more spectacular.

 The ridge kept getting closer and warning us that this easy hike would soon get steeper.

Along the way I saw the most beautiful sculpture for my yard but neither Harry nor Herm would help carry it down.

We saw some switchbacks going up the ridge and hoped that would be our route but no, we followed a steep, direct route up the ridge. We frequently turned around to notice the many clear cuts on the surrounding mountains. One in particular, heart shaped, attracted Harry's attention and was used as a landmark on the way down.

A group picture at the top. Beautiful weather but the wind was cool up here.

We ate our lunch without disturbing the lookout personnel or sunbathing on the heli-pad as the guide book suggested but definitely enjoying the mountain range in front of us.

We thought we would try to find the alternate route down on the switchbacks and avoid the steepness.
We started out well but after half an hour lost the trail and didn't want to return so we scouted, followed animal trails, kept the heart clear cut to the east and finally ran into the last switchback. What a relief!

Soon we came to the cairn we had passed on the way up but not understood. The arrow pointed to the long switchback option while the book recommended the short steep route. At least now we knew where we were.

 We continued on to the car and stopped for a last look back before we headed off for supper in Longview. It was a good 12-hour day.