Mount Underhill - via Old Elsay Lake Trail, March 2024
Finally set the boards aside for the season and got crackin' on my ever-expanding hiking list. With the sudden onset of unseasonably warm March temperatures, I opted to start small by going after one of the countless subalpine bumps in my proverbial backyard. Enter Mount Underhill, a 1480-foot beast of a mountain flanking the west shore of Indian Arm. As with innumerable others on the North Shore, Underhill is included in the Bagger Challenge list and as such sees a fair amount of traffic by its devotees. Lists aside, the peak appealed to me for the network of trails as yet untraveled by yours truly to get there along with the reportedly good views overlooking Indian Arm from the top.
The shortest approach would be by following a trail from near the end of Sasamat Lane and continuing past Brighton Beach. However, being that both the Sunshine Falls Lane and Sasamat spur are private with large no trespassing signs adorning the turnoff from Indian River Drive, I opted to play by the rules and avoid the area entirely...to start with at least. As such, I parked at a pullout on the main drive about a half kilometer past a large parking area below powerlines. Geared up, crossed the street and started up the Franks Plank MTB trail. Followed this and a lesser spur or two to intersect with the main Old Elsay Lake Trail. Ignoring countless spurs now, I stayed on this for about 3.5 kilometers to reach Holmden Creek. Traversing sections of mossy old growth and interspersed with short scrambly bits, I found the hiking here quite enjoyable and well worth the extra mileage to experience.
Took a break to hydrate at Holmden before commencing the final ~0.5 kilometer grunt up Underhill. Nearing the summit, a great view to the south overlooking Indian Arm revealed itself to me as promised. Quite spectacular especially being so close to home! I continued a few minutes more to tag the no-view true summit just for kicks. After a nice long rest, I returned the way I came, making a short detour up the Cascade Bluff Trail to reach its namesake lookout. Views from here were also great, if not better than from Underhill itself! Returning from the bluff, I made a beeline for Sasamat Lane now, choosing for the faster return via the road, trespassing BS be damned. That said, none of the "locals" I encountered seemed to mind, and greeted me as I walked by. All in all, a fine outing and great warm-up for all the adventures to come!
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