Found the channel through the mahogany that I had spotted from above and there was a faint use trail (maybe a cow path) through the center.

The trail dissipated on the other side of the mahogany as I entered Little Smith Valley proper. The trial was visible on the far side of the valley but I opted to angle right.

Looking up at Peak 9715 on the left and the Peak 9715/East Sister saddle.

I'm now right below the snowfields I had spotted earlier. Was a bit concerned that this field would be soggy- but it turned out to just be damp.

Rejoining the trail about a half mile beyond where I had left it. About a mile back to the corral and then a mile to my car from here.

Break in the clouds lets some sunlight through to the Peak 9715/East Sister saddle.

Wondered what this was and asked the rancher at the corral about it- he was building a new cattle fence and this rock allowed him to build the fence w/ having to dig postholes.

Back to the point where I had left the trail to ascend the ridge.

Found my hiking pole where I had left it, right back at the start of the trail.