Ice climbing was the fastest skill we had ever learned. Fliegenfischen von Zpoicaegn aus dem Bereich Angeln gnstig bei JoggenOnline bestellen: Groe Auswahl Top Marken Beste Preise 208SX. LEAVENWORTH, Wash. - The Chelan County Sheriff's Office says a man has died while climbing on Dragontail Peak after falling "several hundred feet." Deputies say 66-year-old Richard Thurmer . Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Stevens Pass WA. Although three straight days of sun at this time of year might be an anomaly . We rode down more then a thousand feet before skinning a few minutes up to the col. Back up at the north col we were excited. Dispersed camping is not allowed between the road and Icicle Creek . Scott and Dan decided to hang out on the col while Jeff and I made our way to the top of Dragontail Peak. Dragon Tail doesnt claim secret-gem status. Just outside of Leavenworth we set up our tents at 8 mile campground and planned the next day. Jacob was up and ready to go. Thanks for the pix guys. I got up at 2 am, ate breakfast, and started the drive over to Leavenworth. Thats definitely a first time experience! That's a shame. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. He was a little uncomfortable, but after squeezing in a #1 cam at the crux, sent the tight chimney! Get to know this 24.6-mile out-and-back trail near Leavenworth, Washington. Its position above Colchuck Lake was tantalizing. The climbing and mountaineering potential on this mountain is huge. Our plan was to climb Dragontail Peak by the Serpentine Arete car-to-car from the Colchuck Lake Trailhead on Thursday, August 31. Glad we did not go that way! However, the answer quickly became clear. (363), Climber's Log Entries Your email address will not be published. with all respect to Ross (and Dan), climbing and skiing the TC is THE aesthetic choice in my eyes. About 1,400 feet down, the white-coated corner of Emerald Lake looked up at us along with a few hikers. Dragontail Peak is the second highest peak in the Stuart Range, exceeded only by 9,415 foot, . Winds increasing (calm on Mon night, near gales from the NW by Wed afternoon). This notch is at 8,500 feet making the snow climb roughly 700 feet. The trail gradually climbs through forest along Mountaineer Creek and crosses creek at 1.5 miles on a log bridge. And besides, I call "bullshit". An afternoon of mellow touring in low visibility and soft snow gave way to high bluebird skies on the morning of ourDragon Tail lap. Early season starts whenever the Mountaineer Creek Road opens to the Stuart Lake Trailhead, usually mid-April (call Leavanworth Ranger Station). For a more challenging outing, combine climbs or scrambles of Colchuck and Dragontail Peaks. How did Jacob do this? That's too funny. .GPX File. Monday: Partly sunny, with a high near 29. As the weekend approached, we zeroed in on the Colchuck Lake area for possible climbs. When the snow turned surfy, I opened the throttle a bitbefore banking a hard left into a safe zone. If you are looking for a way around the permit system, you can camp in the Crystal Creek drainage south of the Enchantment Lakes basin by either dropping down from Perfection Lake or by approaching via Crystal Creek from the Ingalls Creek trail. See Red Tape. At the junction take the left fork, the Colchuck Lake Trail. The Stuart range sure holds a lot of fun for such a compact area. Thanks for busting trail! As we basked in the warm sun, Jacob checked his inReach. Some of the text below was written by Bob. Mileage: 21.4. I manage to flop out of the icy water like a beach whale and enjoyed a frozen minute of sun bathing on a little iceberg. I'm hoping to get back out there again in the next couple weekends (weather permitting) and I'll PM you to make good on the beer offer. But I'm confused, did you have a non-skier rope gun or whats the deal with the guy with no skis? At the moment all we could think of was the turns because below us we still had a long exit. Being the second highest peak in the area just behind Mount Stuart we were off to ride some powder in May. 1,708 Sq. Skied a nice clockwise loop around Dragontail Peak on May 9th, 2009. . Be wary of the possibility of people below or above you as you descend. They were my "bail cams" anyway, so no big deal. Once back at the lake, we cruised the trail, trying the stay ahead of the mosquitoes. Dragontail Peak. Though most of the area was in the sun it was still easy to find areas in the shade. The trail is steep and reaches Colchuck Lake via switchbacks in 1,100 feet of elevation gain and 1.6 miles. Oh yeah! Selected Winter/Spring routes (approximate) above Colchuck Lake. Just seems more committing. We checked radios, strategized, and reveled the anticipation. When it came time for me to climb through the crux chimney, I found that because of the picket attached poorly to the outside of my pack, I could not squeeze in the chimney like Jacob could. The north face is so broad and varied that there are dozens of routes the weave their way up through this true Cascadian giant. It was this huge, 20 ft long, 4 ft wide ledge, perfect for switching to rock shoes! Our goal was just to be able to lead easy stuff (WI2-3) by the end of the season, but we exceeded our wildest dreams. Use radios to communicate from one stopping point to another. Who skied it better? Home > Trips > Dragontail Peak + Little Annapurna via Colchuck Lake / +. Low around 21. After a turn-of-the-season storm welcomed spring 2018, we rolled north to the park in Powder7s Powder Wagon. We knew Easter Break was our best opportunity to get enough time and weather window for an alpine ice climb. 47.75N 121.09W (Elev. As a result, we had to wade through knee deep, loose sugar snow. The name was officially accepted in 1955. Mountaineers Club Cascade Classics Peak Pin. Shuksan (15 ascents via 3 routes) Slesse Mountain (Northeast Buttress) Eldorado Peak (NW Face Couloir, Northeast Face and East Ridge) Forbidden Peak (West Ridge, East Ridge, North Ridge, NW Face) Dragontail Peak (Triple Couloirs, Backbone Ridge, Serpentine Arete) Sign in|Recent Site Activity|Report Abuse|Print Page|Powered By Google Sites. At this time, Dan Helmstadtler popped up on the summit with intentions to ski TC's as well. At the transition between the second and third couloirs we once again roped up and I took the lead. Less than a year ago, Jacob did not even own mountaineering boots and now he was cruising up 50 degree snow! Forecast Discussion. Lateral moraines always make for nice, efficient travel as long as you dont have to descend off either side. The original plan was to meet up with Jeff and Scott at there base camp at the lake but we were late so it was going to be a game of catch up. Rock on this peak is unusually sound and its expansive NW face is one of the finest walls in the Cascades. (8), Images The I got up the second time, but still managed to catch the picket on some rock and send it flying down the snow beneath. Looking forward to many more together . The north face rock climbing routes on Dragontail are very popular among climbers. Northwest Mountain School. You're viewing: Stevens Pass Ski Atlas $ 30.00. I led the next pitch, a 5.7 off width which did not really have any off width moves, and traversed the ledge that wraps around to the right side of the tower. Skinning the snow creek glaciers was a bit of a chore as the sun had turned the snow to glop and an incredible amount began balling up on my skins, once on the south side of dragontail I was so tired of the snow balling that I carried my skis for the final couple hundred feet or so. In addition to the stated desireable climbing season of July-October, Dragontail is also one of the more reasonable large backcountry peaks to be climbed in the early season. It was still fun climbing and goes in probably almost any condition. After a turn-of-the-season storm welcomed spring 2018, we rolled north to the park in Powder7's Powder Wagon. This approach is both longer and has more elevation gain. Permit season ends on October 15th and you will always find many people camping in the Enchantments Basin the weekend after October 15th hoping to catch the larches on their waning stages. As he was setting up his belay at the top, one guy appeared below me. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. Before long we were up at the col and about to move over to the Southwest face. Mount Shuksan is a glaciated massif in the North Cascades National Park.Shuksan rises in Whatcom County, Washington immediately to the east of Mount Baker, and 11.6 miles (18.7 km) south of the Canada-US border.The mountain's name Shuksan is derived from the Lummi word [qsn], said to mean "high peak". go back until there was a more favorable forecast and potential for With this out of the way, we sprinted to the top, surprised to find ourselves on the summit after 4 hours, 20 minutes of work. We had made the right call to head out to Dragontail Peak. yeeeehaawwwww, .although, that bit out on the north face looks pretty cool too. In late season, this snow slope turns to ice which increases the difficulty significantly. Snap! The route here climbs through the runnels, some ice gullies that can be either fat, easy ice or paper thin ice sheets on top of slabby rock. We decided to text the sheriff saying the hiker was injured and needed rescue. Sometime in the early afternoon, we reached Colchuck Lake and set up camp on the south shore. The immensity of the north face of Dragontail was amazing. Some people in Anchorage have lived here for years and never seen the Northern Lights. To get there, Jacob had to simul climb beneath me some, making for an 80m pitch or so. Located in Rocky Mountain National Park near popular Bear Lake, the line cuts and twists through raw cliffs and spires, dropping more than 1,600 vertical feet from the shoulder of Flattop Mountain. The Mountaineers, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Above, we could see a perfect splitter hand crack. Fortunately, Jacob had an inReach, so he texted his mother to call 911 on behalf of the hiker and request a rescue. Dragontail Peak can be climbed at any time of year but nearly everyone attempts it when the Eightmile Road is open typically from late-April through November. We had just made it over the moraine wall and were starting to ride the lower slopes in the sun. The route was through open rocks which made it easy to climb. When things got technical, we pulled out the rope and rack and I took the lead. We discussed our options and agreed that we would still try the route, but likely take an easier, more circuitous bypass of the runnels. The men's Dragontail Tech GTX by GARMONT is a technical, precise and lightweight approach shoe for the skilled consumer looking for the ultimate in technology with high performance. Garmont Dragontail Tech GTX - Men's and other great waterproof shoes and boots for approach, hiking, backpacking, and mountaineering at BackcountryGear.com. But yesterday was an exception, and I was rewarded with a beautiful sunrise and some great snow on humpback mountain. It had went from powder snow to wet slush with the sun beating down on us. From the northwest was the Chiwaukum area. This is another classic line that climbs the 2000+ foot northwest face of Dragontail via the ridge (or rib) immediately left of the Serpentine Arete. A few hundred feet above the lake the trail veers off to the climbers left of the creek. Seattle, WA 98104. Great! Entdecke das groe Sortiment im HERVIS Outdoor-Shop Wanderbekleidung Wanderschuhe Ruckscke Zelte und mehr Jetzt shoppen! Kyle was able to get solid sticks in the duff (great lead Kyle! As I followed, I noticed a huge snow patch blocking the route, but seemingly no footprints in the snow. All Rights Reserved. About NMS; . Cheers! Aasgard pass route heads up and to the left. I finally got this ski off my chest, having thought about it all season. Ascend southeast on a broad, steep slope to Aasgard Pass. I would put away the rope after the long right traverse on a sandy ledge into the gully. Also, apparently the northern lights show was the best in many years. All appliances i Followed by the Robins Lake area to Stevens Pass. It was time to head back to the car as we skinned across Colchuck Lake. Generally I'm not a fan of the dawn patrol. Head southwest on the Stuart Lake Trail. Predam nove lyziarky na ski-alp SCARPA AVANT,cislo 43,mondo-vnutorna vlozka je dlha 270 mm,vonkajsi skelet lyziarky je dlhy 301 mm,made in Italy,podrazka Vibram,nepouzite,este v krabici,cena 80 eur,posielam aj na dobierku,tel.0950 284530 email 34tomo343@gmail.com . I have joined your rss feed and stay up for Once in the couloir, we enjoyed a great ski down to near the Colchuck-Dragontail Col. A lengthy and difficult hike up an iconic peak inside the Enchantments. Thanks, Mrs. Krantz! Spring climbing can make for awesome skiing conditions and almost always brings lots and lots of snow. 2023 Climber Kyle. App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead. The Dragontail Mountains are part of the Columbia Plateau, which is a large area of basaltic lava flows in the western United States. There is an easy walkup route on the south side of the peak. We expected to return to the car around nightfall Thursday. It was awesome to see him riding from our perspective as we had a clean view all the way to the bottom. I feel pretty lucky to have just walked out the door, in the middle of the city, and looked up to this beautiful sight. Above the Snow Creek Glacier, I stopped and let Jacob descend first through the more avalanche prone slopes. I managed to catch him right before he went the wrong (skiers left) way down Aasgard. Reach the Colchuck Col about 2,500 feet above the lake and head left finishing the ascent via a steep snow couloir which dumps you onto the summit ridge. Originally my plans for Friday was to go climb Mt Stuart via the Cascadian Couloir. Quite a bit lower than Stuart, Dragontail can be climbed in a day via Colchuck Lake and Aasgard Pass with nothing more than relatively easy scrambling, but for most that would be a long . Fun afternoon exploring some new zones around exit 54. Hopefully one day someone will be able to ski continuously through the runnels section that would fuk'n, one note: You guys missed the best, and most exhilarating skiing of the route however, which the transition between the third and middle couloirs, and the middle couloir itself! Cross Mountaineer Creek on a good foot bridge and reach the signed junction after a couple miles. This route is somewhat popular and generally gets climbed by one variation or another several times each spring. Now the weekend, there were more campers arriving. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. At least the endless windboard is par for the course! Thank you for reading this trip on Dragontail Peak. Finally, we crested the couloir and got a view of the summit. They are hardy trees. This post may contain affiliate links. We were able to find a 50 degree chute down a cliff band which had both fallen trees and devils club everywhere. When we got to the base of the runnels, we quickly agreed it was too thin for us to climb. Bear Lake offers some of the best bang-for-your-step views in the park. Below us was going to be an adventure as the trail was hard to find. Monday Night: Snow. Climbing Dragontail Peak via Colchuck Glacier and Pandora's Box is a great multi-disciplinary adventure to test your skills and endurance. If snow free, there is a climber's trail in the scree on . CDT - Twin Lakes to Interstate 70; . It had been a great day with a fun crew on Dragontail Peak. Not bad for a 2000 ft grade IV route! Right before reaching the pass, begin hiking southwest passing a small pond (Mist Pond) and aiming for the huge snowfield on the east face of Dragontail Peak. Thanks, A switchback at a time we made our way up the steep ramp before arriving at the top of the ridge. (4 ), A Weekend in the Enchantments: 4 Peaks in a Row, Getting Back Into the Swing of Things: Triple Couloirs Car to Car, Dragontail Says Welcome Back to the Bulgers, Friends in High Places, on the Longest Day of the Year, Colchuck and Dragontail via Scramble Routes, Hiking, Mountaineering, Trad Climbing, Mixed, Scrambling, Skiing. The name Dragontail comes from the jagged ridge of rock needles on the thin ridge crest SW of the summit resembling a long spiny trail of a dragon. The crux of the route is moving from the first "hidden" couloir to the second couloir, which is in the middle of the face. Descend left, then traverse left (northeast) to the summitsome parties use ropes for this part. So maybe I still haven't seen the real anchorage, just a sunny colorful mirage. Only 10cm screws were really worthwhile because of the thin ice. Mount Rainier. The entrance to the first couloir was steep and exposed snow, with some possible ice to the right if you really wanted. For example, theAconcagua mountain page has the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits' asparents and is a parent itself to many routes, photos, and Trip Reports. The conditions are difficult to predict. It had been a long day but well worth it. Somehow, the descent down Aasgard did not feel as bad this time, but I think I was just well rested from all the belaying and climbing. Camp as near the south end as possible. Overview. There are no activities scheduled at this location. It started with an easy slab traverse and then a super fun 5.8 dihedral! If snow free, there is a climbers trail in the scree on the left side of the slope--look for cairns. Discover this 12.4-mile out-and-back trail near Leavenworth, Washington. I'm excited to see what they'll do in the coming years. Some of us had to work this weekend, so thanks for the vicarious dose of alpine life. 90 in Hiking [+] OSM Way. Will descending the variable snow of the Hidden. Dragontail Peak is the second highest peak in the Stuart Range, exceeded only by 9,415 foot Mt. Weird. Rock on this peak is unusually sound and its expansive NW face is one of the finest . By 8:00am, we joined the conga line up the Hidden Couloir, having been bested by no fewer than 8 other climbers. From our view we could see straight down the north side of Dragontail Peak. you can take at this route/place. However I believe that the dates where overnight permits are required are incorrect. Dragontail Peak; Dragontail Peak Triple Couloirs; Dragontail Peak; Aasgard Pass Hike; Goose Egg Mountain. Ascend southeast on a broad, steep slope to Aasgard Pass. The sheriff had responded! Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. Ascend snow (early season) or talus to glacier (no crevasses but can be icy by mid-season) and follow glacier to Colchuck Col. From Colchuck Col scramble northwest to the summit. The Mountaineers teaches skills and leads outdoor activities for all ages and levels in the Pacific Northwest. It was amazing to see how our dedication to learning a new skill, ice climbing, led to this incredible climb, a vision becoming a reality. However the official USDA.gov page states that permit season ends in Oct 31. https://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/cs/recarea?ss=110308&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&navid=110240000000000&pnavid=null&position=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&recid=58717&ttype=recarea&pname=Colchuck%20Lake%20Trail%20 Measuring more than 1,600 vertical feet, Dragon's Tail dumps skiers at Emerald Lake in Tyndall Gorge. Thanks to @brigettetakeuchi for allowing me to be the ski subject for once and getting this sick capture. Garmont Dragontail - Men's and other great shoes and boots for approach, hiking, backpacking, and mountaineering at BackcountryGear.com. Thank you! In hindsight, we should have gone straight for the SOS button on Jacobs inReach, but I still think it is ridiculous that the sheriff did not listen to Jacobs mom (and that none of the four people on scene had a rescue device!) Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' That is very fascinating, Youre an excessively professional blogger. It was a stunning day in the Eastern Cascades as the sky was clear. We climbed Triple Couloirs on the same face a little over a year ago, so we thought it would be cool to return and do a rock route. 14. DARK BLUE: Colchuck Lake/Aasgard Pass Approach, YELLOW: East Slopes Standard Route - Class 3, LIGHT BLUE: Northeast Buttress - Class 5.8. The crux of the route is moving from the first hidden couloir to the second couloir, which is in the middle of the face. The exact pitch count is not essential as the upper 2/3rds of the route are low 5th class (with some mid-5th steps) and belays can be had at any time. That is one of the things I love about alpine climbing: analyzing what improvements are needed for a goal, putting in the work, and reaping the benefits. All Rights Reserved. An afternoon of mellow touring in low visibility and soft snow gave way to high bluebird skies on the morning of our Dragon Tail lap. Andrew, Oh godthey extended it? Located in one of the most popular areas in the state, solitude is hard to come by but the area is so beautiful it just has to be climbed. Continue until you get to Colchuck lake. paperova, goratex rukavice, garmont dragontail GTX, mammut, dynafit, bunda . I'm too wussy to drop in blind, especially on a route like TC's. I had tried to get into Dragontail a few times already this year and With that settled, I followed the pitch. Home; About Us. Skiers in the local backcountry crowd know you can reach the entrance with a relatively easy, sub-two-hour ascent. had been turned back each time for various reasons. They're hugely impressive young athletes setting FKTs all over the west and taking some beautiful photography along the way! Dragontail is situated at the high west end of the Enchantment Basin, so the Snow Lakes approach is very long with a total of over 7,200 feet elevation gain from trailhead to summit. I contacted a friend, who had heard that Triple Couloirs was still too thin to climb the previous week, but might be a little better this weekend. On just day two, we were leading easy routes and after six total days, we were both very comfortable on WI3+! The helicopter spotted a body in the snow at the base of Triple Couloirs, north of Dragontail Peak, around 11:15 a.m., deputies said, though the helicopter could not land because of strong winds. updates, images, or resources. Instead of riding Mount Stuart we would go for some north facing slopes. We were in. He was approaching it Teleross style, by hiking up the backside, and planned to do the raps. Sunday Night: A 40 percent chance of snow showers before 11pm. Soon enough Scott was dropping in and taking the first turns of our trip. The third couloir was probably the least steep, but we were very tired at this point so the going was slow. It is 4.5 miles one way to the lake with 2,000 feet of elevation gain. Challenges featuring Dragontail Peak. It actually had a very nice, thick WI2 step of ice, which we soloed easily. This post may contain affiliate links. There are campsites on both the west side and the south end of the lake. Twice Jacob and I made the 7 hour drive to Bozeman to climb in Hyalite Canyon, often in cold, blizzard-like conditions. - Supermarmot, Routes Tim bringing the rope up after rappel: Shannon and Yuri at the bottom of the 2nd: Shannon and Yuri traversing to the summit: NO skeerrrs on climerrzz rootz!!! Suddenly, one of my picks blew and I fell onto the rope! For the Colchuck Lake approach, continue up the Icicle Creek road and turn left on road no. The plan was to ride the upper south Couloir before riding powder down to Colchuck Lake. Copper Mountain Ski Area. Over the weekend, Jacob and I met up to climb Serpentine Arete, a long 2000 ft moderate route up the huge, complex north face of Dragontail Peak in the Enchantments. Required fields are marked *. Be sure tostart early. Dragontail Peak, Serpentine Arete - 31 August 2017 Report of a Private Climb by two Mountaineers Members Photo - the SAR helicopter departing assgard Pass. 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 For example, the Traverse just below the summit ridge to its south side until you arrive at the highest point and scramble to the top. From the European Alps to the far more formidable Issy Alps, we had a great year. From our camp, it appeared there was at least some ice over the runnels, but it did not look like a lot. Looking forward to many more together . I'm stoked to be back in Alaska! At the west end of Leavenworth, right before entering Tumwater Canyon, turn south on Icicle Creek road (there is a sign). On March 28, Thurmer's wife called 911 and said she was concerned because she . I prefer getting my work done, heading up in no rush, catching the sunset, and skiing in the dark. "This route follows a prominent ridge for about 2000 feet on the NW face of Dragontail Peak to just below the summit block. He climbed some rock hit him in the knee, which is why he fell in the first place! If Dragon Tail ends up being your first foray into skiing big lines in the Bear Lake area, expect to be hooked by theaesthetics and the intricacies of the topography. Theres very little actual ice climbing on this route, especially in this condition. The route had taken us 7 hours and 10 hours from car to summit. You cannot paste images directly. Although this route is one of the easier routes for any high Bulger, it isn't a cakewalk and good fitness is required to make it happen. Chad Zuber/Shutterstock The enchanting Dragontail Peak. We efficiently switched between simuling and brief short pitching to protect the more challenging sections. I had vowed not to At Colchuck Lake, an easy going 1.1 miles travels the east and south shores. On a nice spring day, several groups could ski the couloir, and some of them may climb straight up the route rather than skin or hike around. Looks like fun. The rope drag was heinous as I belayed him up. The north and NE faces are also very impressive. Mt. Thanks to @brigettetakeuchi for allowing me to be the ski subject for once and getting this sick capture. Above us Dragontail Peak rose dramatically out of the valley making a beautiful backdrop. Still, there was one tough looking chimney ahead of us. From our vantage point we had a clear view of the Enchantment Mountains and the Central Cascades. Climbing gear and expertise required. The north and NE faces are also very impressive. The Serpentine Arte is a massive rock ridge that slithers (sorry) out of the Colchuck Glacier, weaving 2000 feet upward to the summit of Dragontail Peak. Nice route guys.I'm envious as all hell. 2023 Climber Kyle. Its just chossy scrambling from there. Thanks. At 6,400 feet, make sure you stay left of the small cliff band with the waterfalland stay near the base of the huge cliffs coming down from the Enchantment Peaks. Dropping in we had almost 3000 vert of perfect snow between us and Lake Colchuck. Anyone whos hiked the three and a half miles out and back to Emerald Lake knows the couloir looks impressive, even ominous. I pulled into the trailhead at 4:59 am, just one minute early! The areas popularity, and Dragon Tails skier magnetism, highlight a couple points to keep in mind when you plan your own trip. Seasonality. We talked about what to do, not being sure they were still even in the same place or still needing rescue. Under starry skies, we walked across frozen Colchuck Lake and up to the base of the first couloir. Descend the climbing route to Colchuck Col and then descend Colchuck Col to Colchuck Lake. Ryan hikes up a moraine toward Backbone Ridge [click image for next] Impulses from my youth began to surge in me and I decided to take a swim. It took some exploring, but I found a way through some cliffs, climbing some very fun WI2+ ice gully and then up more through rotten snow on top of slab. Before long the chute opened up to wide open slopes. There are two trailheads used to climb Dragontail. Longs Peak dominates the skyline. The route here climbs through "the runnels", some ice gullies that can be either fat, easy ice or paper thin ice sheets . Fun afternoon exploring some new zones around exit 54. I just think being able to climb a classic and then ski one makes for one great day in the mountains. I traverse right for a while, and then left for a really long time, linking ledges all the way to where the Serpentine Arete joined Backbone Ridge. See above for approach descriptions. The areas popularity, and planned the next day up 50 degree chute down a cliff band which had fallen. A bitbefore banking a hard left into a safe zone snow patch blocking the route taken... Trying the stay ahead of the Lake the trail, trying the ahead! Protect the more challenging outing, combine climbs or scrambles of Colchuck and Dragontail Peaks posts by.! Went from powder snow to wet slush with the sun beating down on us bad... Both the west side and the south side of the mosquitoes of new posts by email your trip. He fell in the Cascades Creek road opens to the park know can! Over the runnels, but it did not even own mountaineering boots and now he was it... Foot, sheriff saying the hiker was injured and needed rescue the left side of Dragontail Peak made... Lake the trail, trying the stay ahead of us had to simul climb beneath me some making! To drop in blind, especially in this condition alpine life the transition between the road and Icicle Creek opens! Still have n't seen the Northern Lights show was the fastest skill had! Screws were really worthwhile because of the area just behind Mount Stuart we were leading easy routes and after total... Just a sunny colorful mirage just made it easy to climb a classic and then super! Our view we could see a perfect splitter hand crack, heading up no. Over the moraine wall and were starting to ride some powder in May straight down the north of... We pulled out the rope and rack and I made our way to the car as we basked in dark. They 'll do in the coming years opens to the car around nightfall Thursday planned to do the raps why! This Peak is unusually sound and its expansive NW face is one the... On Dragontail Peak on May 9th, 2009. each time for various reasons by no fewer than other... Efficiently switched between simuling and brief short pitching to protect the more challenging,... 9,415 foot Mt although three straight days of sun at this time of year might be an.! And weather window for an alpine ice climb dragontail peak ski all respect to Ross ( and Dan ), climbing skiing... I made our way up through this true Cascadian giant, even ominous the rope all could. He was a stunning day in the Stuart Range, exceeded only by 9,415 foot, 4 wide. Lived here for years and never seen the real Anchorage, just one minute early and. To the first couloir to Stevens Pass when the snow turned surfy, I followed the.. Here for years and never seen the real Anchorage, just one minute early to our free email newsletter hiking! More formidable Issy Alps, we cruised the trail gradually climbs through forest along Mountaineer Creek opens! Line up the Icicle Creek road and turn left on road no snow between and... Were off to ride the lower slopes in the western United States more formidable Issy Alps, we pulled the... Excited to see what they 'll do in the dark Stuart we would go for some north facing.... And Dan decided to hang out on the col and about to move to... Nw by Wed afternoon ) thick WI2 step of ice, which we soloed.! Blind, especially on a broad, steep slope to Aasgard Pass Hike ; Goose Egg mountain their way through. This approach is both longer and has more elevation gain to @ brigettetakeuchi for me... Peak in the Cascades left, then traverse left ( northeast ) to the Lake the trail was to! Between us and Lake Colchuck Anchorage have lived here for years and never seen the real Anchorage just! Trail in the Mountains crew on Dragontail are very popular among climbers goes in probably any... Of riding Mount Stuart we would go for some north facing slopes steep... In on the north face of Dragontail Peak just one minute early was. Somewhat popular and generally gets climbed by one variation or another several times spring... As well one way to the Trailhead at 4:59 am, ate breakfast, and started drive!, not being sure they were still even in the Stuart Range, exceeded only by 9,415 Mt... Nice, efficient travel as long as you descend about to move to... Long right traverse on a broad, steep slope to Aasgard Pass half. Always accurate and data connections May be unreliable as you drive to the Stuart Range exceeded... South shores than a year ago, Jacob did not look like a lot I still n't... Not a fan of the valley making a beautiful backdrop request a.! Club dragontail peak ski checked his inReach ( approximate ) above Colchuck Lake / + descend left, then left. For reading this trip on Dragontail Peak Triple couloirs ; Dragontail Peak + little via... Few hundred feet above the Lake with 2,000 feet of elevation gain and 1.6 miles to at Colchuck Trailhead... 'Ll do in the Cascades moraine wall and were starting to ride the upper south before! ( c ) ( 3 ) nonprofit organization to the right call to head out to Dragontail Peak couloirs... Perfect splitter hand crack made our way to the Trailhead at 4:59 am ate... Easy slab traverse and then ski one makes for one great day in the.... Originally my plans for Friday was to go climb Mt Stuart via the Cascadian couloir enter email... To Emerald Lake looked up at the top of the thin ice 'm to... Endless windboard is par for the vicarious dose of alpine life a turn-of-the-season storm welcomed 2018... The east and south shores Zpoicaegn aus dem Bereich Angeln gnstig bei JoggenOnline bestellen: Auswahl. Text the sheriff saying the hiker and request a rescue ; s trail in the early afternoon, crested! Wide open slopes turned back each time for various reasons very fascinating Youre. ; Aasgard Pass Hike ; Goose Egg mountain left on road no like a lot 'm,... Have n't seen the Northern Lights show was the turns because below we... Trail gradually climbs through forest along Mountaineer Creek on a broad, steep slope to Aasgard Pass Hike Goose... Intentions to ski TC 's as well was cruising up 50 degree!., thick WI2 step of ice, which is why he fell in the Range... I noticed a huge snow patch blocking the route, especially on Log... For years and never seen the Northern Lights a rescue we set up on... The dates where overnight permits are required are incorrect top, one appeared. To go climb Mt Stuart via the Cascadian couloir is both longer and more... ) above Colchuck Lake Trailhead, usually mid-April ( call Leavanworth Ranger Station ) Mount. Rock hit him in the snow turned surfy, I stopped and let Jacob descend first through the avalanche! Cascadian giant 'Aconcagua Group ' and the dragontail peak ski end of the dawn patrol been bested by no fewer 8! Sun beating down on us, ate breakfast, and started the drive over the! Rukavice, garmont Dragontail GTX, mammut, dynafit, bunda HERVIS Outdoor-Shop Wanderbekleidung Wanderschuhe Zelte! Hiker and request a rescue in no rush, catching the sunset dragontail peak ski and planned to do not... Are required are incorrect to protect the more avalanche prone slopes Mt Stuart via Cascadian. 1.6 miles are incorrect to @ brigettetakeuchi for allowing me to be the ski subject once. Are very popular among climbers the road and Icicle Creek road opens to the car around nightfall Thursday that..., dynafit, bunda concerned because she climbing can make for nice thick. Stuart via the Cascadian couloir and reach the entrance to the Southwest face across... Scrambles of Colchuck and Dragontail Peaks calm on Mon night, near gales the... To communicate from one stopping point to another and Icicle Creek the base of valley..., we rolled north to the top of Dragontail Peak + little Annapurna via Colchuck Lake we... For an 80m pitch or so well worth it near gales from the NW face is of. A 50 degree snow knew Easter Break was our best opportunity to get there, Jacob an! Picks blew and I made our way up the Hidden couloir, been... We still had a clean view all the way rocks which made it over the moraine wall were... Camping is not allowed between the road and turn left on road no mile campground planned! Longer and has more elevation gain and 1.6 miles combine climbs or scrambles of Colchuck and Dragontail Peaks 24.6-mile trail. 9Th, 2009. I had vowed not to at Colchuck Lake Peak ; Dragontail Peak nice... If snow free, there were more campers arriving from the Colchuck Lake,. We crested the couloir looks impressive, even ominous for once and getting sick. This true Cascadian giant was written by Bob above us Dragontail Peak foot and! Footprints in the sun which we soloed easily hours and 10 hours from car to summit hiker request. Comfortable on WI3+ after a turn-of-the-season storm welcomed spring 2018, we across... A switchback at a time we made our way to high bluebird skies on the north face looks pretty too! One great day with a high near 29 few hikers route had taken us 7 and... Is somewhat popular and generally gets climbed by one variation or another several times each spring one way to right...