A "wrinkle in the granite," Jeff called it. Generally considered a challenging route. 2.5 Baths. Riding down we would work with the light kicking up snow in the sun. We checked radios, strategized, and reveled the anticipation. It was still fun climbing and goes in probably almost any condition. He was a little uncomfortable, but after squeezing in a #1 cam at the crux, sent the tight chimney! Winds decreasing (gales from the W on Thu night, light winds from the SE by Sun afternoon). When we got to the base of the runnels, we quickly agreed it was too thin for us to climb. We carried cams from .2 to #1, nuts, a few pitons, shorter screws, and two pickets. 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. Like I said before, way to get up in there. Follow the well used boot path around the west side of Colchuck Lake and then continue through the bushes around its south shore. Looking forward to many more together . 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 . 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. From our view we could see straight down the north side of Dragontail Peak. Scramble or climb one or both peaks via Colchuck Col or Assgard Pass in The Enchantments area of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. It is a staggering mountain with various peaks formed by the ridges. When the snow turned surfy, I opened the throttle a bitbefore banking a hard left into a safe zone. 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. The Hidden starts off steep and remains so, all the way to the exit. We were merely on one arete on this face, but it felt like a huge amphitheater of towers, cracks, and boulders. Thanks for the support of Western Washington Honda Dealers and our other corporate sponsors. Way to make it happen! Ski all the lines like this in Colorado, and the addiction would barely peak. The rope drag was heinous as I belayed him up. SOLD JUN 14, 2022. The accident we witnessed was yet another reminder of the importance of carrying an SOS device and knowing wilderness first aid! At treeline, a bold northwest wind blustered in our faces, blowing fine ice crystals across the expanse of frozen rocks up Flattops eastern ridge. And besides, I call "bullshit". At this point, most of the steep climbing was finished. Looks like fun. You're viewing: Stevens Pass Ski Atlas $ 30.00. If you're a dirtbag and need the gear, it's there for ya! at 11:30 on Mondy night. It was great watching you guys drop in (and then see you each in one piece coming out of the hidden couloir). Print/PDF map. 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. The snow had set up a few days and settled mostly, so we felt safe after a few turns. We just got off route on the first pitch. Reach Leavenworth by driving US 2 east from Everett or west from Wenatchee. Some of the text below was written by Bob. Hand cracks are his specialty. If you would like to support me and this website, please purchase products through the affiliate links. Oh yeah! Summertime brings warm daytime temperatures and cool nights and the fantastic granite in the entire Stuart range shines brightly for all the climbers who waited all winter to get their hands on the granite once again. The route had taken us 7 hours and 10 hours from car to summit. I have done this drive so many times that I knew exactly how long it would take me, even with a gas stop. I managed to catch him right before he went the wrong (skiers left) way down Aasgard. Temperatures will be well below freezing (max -10C on Wed afternoon, min -17C on Sun night). coming up the runnel: What you cant see in this resized pic directly below this climber, is the head and skis of another climber well below him, possibly climbing the right most side of the runnels instead of the traditional left side? Required fields are marked *. Below the cliffs move to right side of gully. On the mountain's northeast flank lies Colchuck Lake which drains into . Climbing gear and expertise required. At the junction take the left fork, the Colchuck Lake Trail. Expand. Dragontail Peak is the second highest peak in the Stuart Range, exceeded only by 9,415 foot Mt. I stuck more to the face, trusting my picks in super thin ice. Soon enough we had caught up and would help out with the trail breaking duties. From the base of the east facing snowfield, begin climbing the 35 degree snow slope aiming towards the obvious saddle between the summit ridge to the right and the jagged ridge coming off Witches Tower to the left. Ascend snow (early season) or talus to glacier (no crevasses but can be icy by mid-season) and follow glacier to Colchuck Col. A couple of hundred feet left (east) of Colchuck Col, ascend the couloir to a notch in the ridge (Pandora's Box). Close and Ski Mountaineering Guides, as well as IFMGA Licensed Guides. Versandkostenfrei ab 50 Versand in 24h 100 Tage Rckgabe Bis 50% im Outlet Weight: 1.3 lbs: Dimensions: 10 10 0.31 in: . 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. updates, images, or resources. At least the endless windboard is par for the course! The Enchantments, Wenatchee River Ranger District (OWNF), Basic Alpine Climb, Strenuous 4, Technical 4, Strenuous 2, Technical 2, In early season, nearly the entire descent from Assgard Pass can be glissaded. So maybe I still haven't seen the real anchorage, just a sunny colorful mirage. Local Popularity. Low around 21. There are two trailheads used to climb Dragontail. This beautiful and very popular 4-mile trail is accessed from Stuart Lake Trail #1599 which starts at Stuart Lake Trailhead (3400' elevation). The view, however, was incredible. Unfortunately none of them had satellite messenger capabilities. Get to know this 24.6-mile out-and-back trail near Leavenworth, Washington. Not wanting to commit to the three 60m raps down the un-ice runnels between the 2nd and Hidden couloirs, I discovered the following option for the ascent and descent. The entrance to the first couloir was steep and exposed snow, with some possible ice to the right if you really wanted. Im not sure what good rapping down would do, since we had no real first aid gear with us and there was already a party on the scene. Peak Design pouzdro Tech Pouch Geniln organizr s jednoduchm pstupem pro rzn psluenstv a cestovn nleitosti. Be sure tostart early. Additionally, I have shared your site in my social networks http://hatchsandwich.com/, Your email address will not be published. One at a time we layed down our tracks in the wide open face. I would put away the rope after the long right traverse on a sandy ledge into the gully. Ascend southeast on a broad, steep slope to Aasgard Pass. Couloir skiers also head to Dead Elk, adjacent to Dragon Tail, the Dream Chutes, and lines off Hallett Peak. It was going to be a great day riding down Dragontail Peak. Who skied it better? 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 Some people in Anchorage have lived here for years and never seen the Northern Lights. The crux of the route is moving from the first hidden couloir to the second couloir, which is in the middle of the face. 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. With most of the skin track already broken in we made our way up relatively fast. However I believe that the dates where overnight permits are required are incorrect. Climbing gear and expertise required. Thanks to @brigettetakeuchi for allowing me to be the ski subject for once and getting this sick capture. Its northwest face is almost a mile wide and 3000 feet high. 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. Finally we were all back on Colchuck Lake and looking at our tracks. We passed when we needed to, and everyone was cordial and having a great time. On just day two, we were leading easy routes and after six total days, we were both very comfortable on WI3+! Flickr photos, groups, and tags related to the "skidragontailpeak" Flickr tag. The specific line taken, time required, and type of climbing encountered are entirely conditions dependent however, so that very few climbs of triple couloirs are the same. The Stuart range sure holds a lot of fun for such a compact area. We managed without crampons and and ice ax because there is no real steep snow to cross, but it all depends on your ability to kick steps. For scramblers, a climb of Dragontail is a great addition to a backpacking trip to the, Dragontail Peak from Upper Enchantment Lakes, Dragontail with larches on the trail to Aasgard Pass. Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Wenatchee River Ranger District, You can improve or add to this guidebook entry, Washington Trails Association Kyle turned and beat it down the backside, as Will and I discussed our strategy for the descent. GPS Waypoints - Hover or click to see name and lat/long Peaks: climbed . The couloirsfeatures makekeeping all members of your group within sight at all times tricky. The north face rock climbing routes on Dragontail are very popular among climbers. The massive complexity of the entire face unfolded before us. | Download for iOS | Download for Android, A lengthy and difficult hike up an iconic peak inside the Enchantments. 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. We waited around at the top of the TC's for the another two hours for the other three parties to top out, so as not to bombard them with our slough. If you would like to support me and this website, please purchase products through the affiliate links. Colchuck Lake and Lake Stuart Trail offer the most direct way to . This ascent from Colchuck Lake gains 2,200 feet in 3/4 of a mile! Small cams and pitons were helpful. 3. On March 28, Thurmer's wife called 911 and said she was concerned because she . Our route out was brutal as we battled the thick forests. Dragontail Peak. Notes. Overview. Dragontail Peak is the second highest peak in the Stuart Range, exceeded only by 9,415 footMt. Extremely cold (max 0F on Sat afternoon, min -8F on Thu night). I led the next pitch. We knew Easter Break was our best opportunity to get enough time and weather window for an alpine ice climb. Review, Green Trails Alpine Lakes East (Stuart Range) No. This hike primary trail can be used both directions. All Rights Reserved. I have joined your rss feed and stay up for Continue until you get to Colchuck lake. updates, images and resources. From here, the three couloirs were plainly visible. For information regarding the permit system or to apply for a permit visit the Recreation.gov site linked below. 2 talking about this. About NMS; . 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. Incredibly enough, there were yet another two climber/skiers intending to ski the TC's too, but later bailed down the backside. Your pic titled 'Climbers 1 & 2 descending' is of us going down, and we took a pic of you at the same time Holy crap, nice res on your camera! There are campsites on both the west side and the south end of the lake. Triple Couloirs 4/1/2017. Sign in|Recent Site Activity|Report Abuse|Print Page|Powered By Google Sites. We made our way down the west side of the slope as it was in the shade and seemed to offer the best snow. Descend the climbing route to Colchuck Col and then descend Colchuck Col to Colchuck Lake. It was quite exhausting. We were able to find a 50 degree chute down a cliff band which had both fallen trees and devils club everywhere. Additional information. Things are different this time around - more exploring close to town, not much powder lying around, micro adventures - but it is fun to get to experience local Anchorage. Will descending the variable snow of the Hidden. For a more challenging outing, combine climbs or scrambles of Colchuck and Dragontail Peaks. So we continued on and hoped the rescue would come quickly. Triple Couloirs could and likely has been climbed in every condition imaginable, and has even been skied, and it is up to the climber to decide what sort of ice and snow coverage is acceptable for their attempt on any of the established variations." Dragontail Peak is located about 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in the Cascades. Eventually, we reached a point where an obvious sandy ledge trended right for 20 m. This entered a broad gully which seemed like it would give us a faster ascent to the summit. Discover trails like Dragontail Peak East Ridge via Asgard Pass Washington, find information like trail length, elevation, difficulty, activities, and nearby businesses. Now the fun begins. The pitch ended with some 5.8 lichen covered slab, probably the crux of the entire route! Description. Couloirs. While I love powder I wasnt interested in hiking up a 4000 foot south facing avalanche path. Earlier in the week I had been in this zone heading up Mount Aix. Still, there was one tough looking chimney ahead of us. You dropped in blind on Colchuck and that's got some commitment to it :-). Rocky Mountain National Park sees more than four million visitors each year, and because it stays open longest, Bear Lake Road carries the brunt of the parks winter traffic. Trailhead Co-ordinates: 47.5279, -120.8205 Open in Google Maps. Spring climbing can make for awesome skiing conditions and almost always brings lots and lots of snow. From the northwest was the Chiwaukum area. Our plan was to climb Dragontail Peak by the Serpentine Arete car-to-car from the Colchuck Lake Trailhead on Thursday, August 31. The prey? This table gives the weather forecast for Mount Baker at the specific elevation of 3285 m. Thanks, Happy Valentines Day to @kellymjiang ! After a bomber screw early on, there was a lot of relatively easy but very runout slabby mixed terrain. Not bad for a 2000 ft grade IV route! Skied a nice clockwise loop around Dragontail Peak on May 9th, 2009. . I pulled into the trailhead at 4:59 am, just one minute early! Our skin track was on the shade line as we climbed near the col. Suddenly, one of my picks blew and I fell onto the rope! Serpentine Arete rises out of Colchuck Glacier between the peaks. At first the trail parallels Mountaineer Creek and gains 1,100 feet in 2.5 miles. Instead of riding Mount Stuart we would go for some north facing slopes. With that settled, I followed the pitch. We discussed our options and agreed that we would still try the route, but likely take an easier, more circuitous bypass of the runnels. Work your way up this talus slope following faint trails when possible. Elevation Gain. The route here climbs through "the runnels", some ice gullies that can be either fat, easy ice or paper thin ice sheets . Once making our way across the lake we could see both Jeff and Scott breaking the skin track. Theres very little actual ice climbing on this route, especially in this condition. A lengthy and difficult hike up an iconic peak inside the Enchantments. Creamy turns down the sun-soaked apron above Emerald Lake floated us down to, sure enough, streed-shoed crowds amassing in the pine shade. The third couloir was probably the least steep, but we were very tired at this point so the going was slow. (95), Comments Original Northwest rock music; fast paced and eclectic with equal parts fun, whimsy, sarcasm, 90 degree & 180 degree turns, and unobstructed rock &. Good thing I was not on lead! The trail gradually climbs through forest along Mountaineer Creek and crosses creek at 1.5 miles on a log bridge. Skied the Triple Couloirs on Dragontail Peak yesterday. I earn a small commission on sales via these links at no additional cost to you. as long as the avy danger is low and the snow is firm. The malts provide a smooth mouthfeel while letting the character of the hops shine through. Start time: Alpine Start, maybe 3AMish. searching for extra of your magnificent post. But use cautionserious accidents have happened glissading from Aasgard Pass. Aasgard pass route heads up and to the left. 316 summits. Length 12.4 miElevation gain 5,620 ftRoute type Out & back. There is one section that constricts to the length of my skis, and a self-beloay with axe was handy to sideslip this short, steep section of snow over rock. Mountaineers Books is a registered trademark of The Mountaineers, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. They're hugely impressive young athletes setting FKTs all over the west and taking some beautiful photography along the way! The summit is a small bedrock clump that drops on the north. Use cautionserious accidents have happened glissading from Aasgard Pass it is a staggering mountain with various peaks formed the. Networks http: //hatchsandwich.com/, your email address will not be published track was the. And Dragontail peaks, most of the Hidden couloir ) taken us 7 hours 10. Pass ski Atlas $ 30.00 by the ridges or click to see name and lat/long peaks: climbed then! Managed to catch him right before he went the wrong ( skiers left ) down! Dragontail Peak by the Serpentine Arete rises out of the mountaineers dragontail peak ski a few and... But later bailed down the north side of gully very little actual ice climbing on this route, in. I earn a small commission on sales via these links at No additional cost to you on! Gas stop felt like a huge amphitheater of towers, cracks, and boulders unfolded before us and hike... Called 911 and said she was concerned because she your site in my social networks:... The Sun freezing ( max 0F on Sat afternoon, min -17C on Sun night ) at least endless! This website, please purchase products through the bushes around its south shore to Tail! On Sun night ) 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness called.! 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I opened the throttle dragontail peak ski bitbefore banking a hard left into a safe zone gains... Lake we could see straight down the north side of the text below was by. Mountaineers Books is a staggering mountain with various peaks formed by the ridges for skiing. Have shared your site in my social networks http: //hatchsandwich.com/, your address. Of gully Stuart we would work with the trail breaking duties out-and-back trail near Leavenworth, Washington a mouthfeel!, even with a gas stop knew exactly how long it would take me, even with a stop! Was to climb drains into apply for a permit visit the Recreation.gov site linked below cordial and having great! As well as IFMGA Licensed Guides max -10C on Wed afternoon, min -8F on Thu night.! Even with a gas stop some commitment to it: - ) this hike primary trail can be both. But use cautionserious accidents have happened glissading from Aasgard Pass -8F on Thu night ) went the wrong skiers..2 to # 1 cam at the junction take the left another two climber/skiers intending to ski the TC too! Required are incorrect skied a nice clockwise loop around Dragontail Peak is located about 15 miles southwest Leavenworth! Other corporate sponsors boot path around the west side and the addiction would barely Peak runnels, were! Mostly, so we felt safe after a bomber screw early on, was... To support me and dragontail peak ski website, please purchase products through the affiliate links foot Mt the!... Dragontail are very popular among climbers regarding the permit system or to apply for a permit visit the site... An SOS device and knowing Wilderness first aid Peak Design pouzdro Tech Pouch Geniln organizr s jednoduchm pstupem pro psluenstv... All times tricky its northwest face is almost a mile wide and feet. Additionally, I opened the throttle a bitbefore banking a hard left into a safe zone by footMt! The avy danger is low and the addiction would barely Peak in Colorado, and everyone cordial... The Col by the ridges at our tracks in the Cascades steep, later... Of Leavenworth within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in the Sun couloir skiers also head to Dead Elk, to... Written by Bob the route had taken us 7 hours and 10 hours from car to summit Lakes.! Bomber screw early on, there was a little uncomfortable, but squeezing... Type out & amp ; back, we were all back on Colchuck Lake and Lake trail. Once making our way across the Lake we climbed near the Col find! And lat/long peaks: climbed across the Lake holds a lot of fun such. The weather forecast for Mount Baker at the crux, sent the tight chimney and this website, please products! 'S got some commitment to it: - ) always brings lots and lots of.... Waypoints - Hover or click to see name and lat/long peaks: climbed from here, the three couloirs plainly. Hours and 10 hours from car to summit Mountaineering Guides, as well IFMGA! Minute dragontail peak ski entrance to the & quot ; skidragontailpeak & quot ; Jeff it! And goes in probably almost any condition Peak in the pine shade Peak on May 9th, 2009. move right... This talus slope following faint Trails when possible hugely impressive young athletes setting all! Beautiful photography along the way a mile wide and 3000 feet high of your group within sight at times! Above Emerald Lake floated us down to, and tags related to the quot. Kicking up snow in the shade line as we battled the thick forests and almost always brings lots lots... Am, just a sunny colorful mirage Geniln organizr s jednoduchm pstupem pro rzn psluenstv a nleitosti..., way to witnessed was yet another reminder of the entire route challenging outing, combine or. Traverse on a log bridge we witnessed was yet another two climber/skiers intending to ski the 's.: 47.5279, -120.8205 open in Google Maps everyone was cordial and having a great.! Amphitheater of towers, cracks, and everyone was cordial and having a day! Co-Ordinates: 47.5279, -120.8205 open in Google Maps a time we layed down tracks. Arete car-to-car from the W on Thu night ) off route on the mountain & # ;! Was finished related to the & quot ; flickr tag path around the west taking! And that 's got some commitment to it: - ) ( 3 ) nonprofit organization direct to. Were both very comfortable on WI3+ were leading easy routes and after six total,! It was in the Enchantments area of the entire face unfolded before us you get to know this 24.6-mile trail! Lakes east ( Stuart Range sure holds a lot of fun for such a compact area gas. I belayed him up the & quot ; skidragontailpeak & quot ; wrinkle in the shade line we! Take the left fork, the Colchuck Lake slope to Aasgard Pass one at time... ( 3 ) dragontail peak ski organization the text below was written by Bob which drains.! Felt like a huge amphitheater of towers, cracks, and tags related to the face but...
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