Hibox Mountain is a great one day trip near Seattle.

Beginning at the popular Rachel Lake Trailhead on Box Canyon Road, 5 miles from Kachess Lake Campground, the first 2 miles follow the Trail. Hibox can be seen above to the right. Goldman says to leave the Trail at 2.5 miles after the second major clearing at 3,300'. It wasn't quite 3,300', nor quite 2.5 miles, but near the end of the second major clearing I left the trail and started up on what looked like a path through the brush.

It soon turned into the usual brush battle and I was soaking wet as it had rained overnight. I turned toward the trees and less brush. Once in the trees it was easier going. I watched a Mountain Goat, watch me for almost an hour as I ascended.

After 1000' I entered a brushy gully. Climbing out I found the Climber's path! From here it was easy up to the Summit Block, and then a short easy scramble to the summit. The morning rain by now gave way to some blue sky, and even Mount Rainier came out.

In the summit register I recognized the names of my friends and Washington Alpine Club members' Michael and Florence Sheehan who were up in June, and Chris Bridgeman who was up in August 2003 and again in April 2004. Chris must of skied down! Wow!

The descent was easy until the last 1,000' where I again lost the path and had to bushwack back to the Rachel Lake Trail.

This is a great one day trip from Seattle. From this same trailhead there is also Alta Mountain, 6,250', and Rampart Ridge to climb.