Sixth hike, Mount Bailey – a beautiful day

Tough hike! The first 3.5 miles is just hiking through the forest. The last mile, though… some scrambles with some steep drop-offs. I was going to Ashland from Bend, and this was absolutely on the way. Skies were clear, I could see south to Shasta and north to Bachelor and South Sister. Mt Thielsen was constantly present on this hike, but I think Bailey is just as good, and it sure looks less risky! 8368’ for Bailey, and 9184’ for Thielsen. I’m happy doing Bailey today. There was 1 other person the entire day, so lots of solitary time.  I started at 9:45 – took a while to drive down from Bend- and finished around 3pm. 2.5 hours up, .5 hours at the top, a bit over 2 hours coming down. I’m very conservative. There’s a tricky part at the top, I suppose it’s Class 2 but I was careful. Can’t believe a guy took his dogs up there, but he was pretty nonchalant about it, Diamond Lake looks lovely from above. I am now officially done with the 6 Peaks Challenge, but I plan to add Sutton Mountain and Belknap, which will bring me to 8…