Cardigan & Firescrew

Today the boys and I tackled Cardigan and Firescrew. We went up the West Ridge Trail to the summit, and then continued over the summit on Mowglis Trail to Firescrew. Typical wet areas on West Ridge Trail which seem to be the norm. The descent off Cardigan on Mowglis Trail was really steep, much steeper than I had anticipated and we got a bit turned around on the way down. I had read about a rogue blaze that seemingly takes you in the wrong direction. Even knowing that, I still mistakenly followed it. We realized there were no more cairns or blazes quickly enough and found our way safely down and into the col between Cardigan and Firescrew, which starts in woods and then opens up with 360 degree views and is just stunning. The half mile or so between the 2 summits is some of my favorite trail I've hiked to date. Mostly rock slab the entire way, it's impossible to not keep stopping and look around. The summit of Firescrew is almost better than the summit of Cardigan since it is so much quieter with almost the same views just from a slightly lower elevation.. of course the cone of Cardigan blocks what is beyond, but looking over it seems so much further than half a mile and is a very cool perspective of the fire tower and summit. After enjoying the views from Firescrew, we retraced our steps back over to Cardigan and the steep climb back up to the summit and back down West Ridge Trail. What a great hike!

Strava Activity

Heading between Cardigan and Firescrew

Looking back at Cardigan from Firescrew

Firescrew summit

Looking back over to Firescrew from Cardigan