Moolock Mountain and Bootalicious Peak - manageable pace, good terrain skills

I'm just getting back into hiking after being out with an illness for the past few weeks. Still coughing a little bit, but don't worry, no longer contagious. One that has been on my list has been a hike in the middle fork Snoqualmie. This is one of my favorite areas to hike in the winter/spring. This approach should be mostly on trail and road, but with some exposed and brushy ridgeline, especially to get to Bootalicious. I hope to sustain a slow to moderate but steady group pace, but don't expect the pace to be too fast. Since, I've just recovered from an illness, I probably won't be at my usual pace.

Stats:
Distance: 10+ miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 4,500+ feet
Highest Point: 4,977

Resources:
Moolock Mountain, Bootalicious Peak — Washington Trails Association
GPS (the approaches seem slightly different, so I would download both for comparison):
[Ascent of Moolock Mountain on 2026-01-19 - Peakbagger.com](https://www.peakbagger.com/climber/ascent.aspx?aid=3101643)
[Ascent of Moolock Mountain on 2025-10-05 - Peakbagger.com](https://www.peakbagger.com/climber/ascent.aspx?aid=3006140)

The hike starts out with a road walk and eventually transitions to a CCC trail. The trail will continue to a ridgeline where we will likely start climbing to Bootalicious (the lower peak, expect some bushwacking along the ridge). Expect hiking on possible steep, exposed, and varied terrain in a variety of snow conditions and a mix of exposed rock, vegetation, and possible snow and ice. From there, we will retrace our steps to a ridge to saddle and climb to Moolock. Expect to spend at least 15 to 20 minutes at each peak to enjoy the view, eat food, and enjoy the accomplishment. PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BE COMFORTABLE WITH THIS TYPE OF TERRAIN. Good situational awareness, snow travel skills, and teamwork are essential to have a fun and safe outing while avoiding hazards. IF YOU RSVP, YOU WILL INITIALLY BE WAITLISTED. PLEASE ANSWER THE QUESTIONS, WHEN PROMPTED. I WILL ADD PEOPLE WHO ARE WITH APPROPRIATE SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND GEAR.

The Plan (subject to change):
6:30 AM Meet at the Park and Ride and arrange carpools. Let's plan to depart by 6:45.

7:30 AM meet at the trailhead. Have your bags packed so we can minimize time preparing.

1-3 PM Depending on the group pace we should arrive at the summit(s).

4-6 PM Arrive back at the trailhead.

What to bring:

Pack, warm clothing layers (expect rain, snow, and wind), hiking or mountaineering boots, microspikes, helmet, snowshoes (maybe), hiking poles, ice ax, navigation: map, compass, and GPS if you have it, emergency bivy, food and water for the day (2-3 liters minimum), sun protection, headlamp, Sit pad, 10 essentials not already mentioned. Drivers should have directions and NW forest pass or equivalent.

Everyone bring good cheer!

Trailhead location (from Google Maps)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/SkaACdws9s2AfkDn6