Your previous content has been restored. Weight: 1.3 lbs: Dimensions: 10 10 0.31 in: . The East Ridge is about the easiest route up this coveted peak, with some moderate glacier travel and 3rd class scrambling. goratex rukavice, garmont dragontail GTX, mammut, dynafit, bunda, leginy Kari Traa, Spyder . Mountain: Haute Route Ski Traverse. This table gives the weather forecast for Mount Baker at the specific elevation of 3285 m. 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". One at a time we layed down our tracks in the wide open face. As he approached Aasgard Pass, I ran down the slopes to catch up to him. Bing Maps has a collection of great trails with directions to trail heads as well as photos. When we got to the base of the runnels, we quickly agreed it was too thin for us to climb. I took a minute to digest the scene. In the fall, the area becomes world famous for the larch trees that turn golden yellow beginning in early October. 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. Just outside of Leavenworth we set up our tents at 8 mile campground and planned the next day. From there, it was more steepness over hardpacked crud. The crux of the route is moving from the first "hidden" couloir to the second couloir, which is in the middle of the face. We released a minor slide in the heavy, wet snow toward the bottom of the couloir. Will and I convinced him to join us for the Option #3 variation, replacing the three raps with one short one. Follow the trail as it stays well left of the waterfall and reach Aasgard Pass at 7,800 feet. 2. Colin approaches Dragontail Peak across Colchuck Lake. But use cautionserious accidents have happened glissading from Aasgard Pass. We packed our gear and were on the trail by 7:00 AM. The Dragontail Mountains are part of the Columbia Plateau, which is a large area of basaltic lava flows in the western United States. Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Wenatchee River Ranger District, You can improve or add to this guidebook entry, Washington Trails Association Happy Valentines Day to @kellymjiang ! There were bomber finger locks and thin hands. Still, it is awesome. There are routes that will challenge the seasoned climber in both summer and winter as well as a handful of scramble routes to challenge the up and rising mountaineers. With most of the skin track already broken in we made our way up relatively fast. We had made the right call to head out to Dragontail Peak. 4879 ft) Last Update: 5:05 am PST Feb 28, 2023. Only 10cm screws were really worthwhile because of the thin ice. The lower part of the finger crack actually felt pretty tough, but I am completely out of practice for rock climbing. 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. A climb of Dragontail Peak will surely bringhappiness to anyone attempting any of the many classic routes. Rock on this peak is unusually sound and its expansive NW face is one of the finest walls in the Cascades. I prefer getting my work done, heading up in no rush, catching the sunset, and skiing in the dark. Dragontail Peak is seven miles east of the PCT. Dan getting ready to drop into the Hidden. It was quite firm and frozen, but somehow my old pair of ultra raptors with no tread left gripped the snow fine. Looking back we would occasionally see our tracks now in the shade. Note that routefinding to Colchuck Col can be trickylook back on the ascent and make notes for the descent. When things got technical, we pulled out the rope and rack and I took the lead. While we brought and used a #3, it was never. Below the cliffs move to right side of gully. On the approach, before the first pitch, a six-foot boulder barred her way. The conditions are difficult to predict. Forecast Discussion. ), and the party below us (Geoff Georges and Jeessica Todd) told us later they were able to get a solid ice-screw in the turf. However, any time the Mountaineers Creek road is open, this route . Rock on this peak is unusually sound and its expansive NW face is one of the finest walls in the Cascades. As he was setting up his belay at the top, one guy appeared below me. By now the snow had turned to slush but it was a fun line non the less. Above the Snow Creek Glacier, I stopped and let Jacob descend first through the more avalanche prone slopes. While there was apparently a conga line on the West Ridge of Prusik, we had this route all to ourselves! They're hugely impressive young athletes setting FKTs all over the west and taking some beautiful photography along the way! It was great watching you guys drop in (and then see you each in one piece coming out of the hidden couloir). From the notch the crest can be followed over excellent mid-fifth class cracks for about 200 meters to a distinct exposed arete. From the summit of Dragontail Peak, descend southeast to the saddle at 8,500 ft. Then descend east on a long snow slope to Aasgard Pass. See above for approach descriptions. Winds increasing (calm on Mon night, near gales from the NW by Wed afternoon). But use cautionserious accidents have happened glissading from Aasgard Pass. On the way in, we met a party that was hiking out. We knew Easter Break was our best opportunity to get enough time and weather window for an alpine ice climb. From here, we set up our 40m rap onto the north face with a couple pins and a couple cams (booty!). Challenges featuring Dragontail Peak. 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. Seattle, WA 98104. 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. There were many larches in the barren, rocky soil. Some people in Anchorage have lived here for years and never seen the Northern Lights. Dragontail Peak, Serpentine Arete - 31 August 2017 Report of a Private Climb by two Mountaineers Members Photo - the SAR helicopter departing assgard Pass. Additionally, I have shared your site in my social networks http://hatchsandwich.com/, Your email address will not be published. Log in and send us 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. Drive 4 miles on this good dirt road to the Mountaineer Creek Trailhead (Colchuck Lake) with an elevation of 3540 feet. Home > Trips > Dragontail Peak + Little Annapurna via Colchuck Lake / +. Dragon Tail Couloir is a Colorado classic. For current mountain conditions contact the Wenatchee National Forest, Leavenworth Ranger District. 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. From Aasgard Pass descend to Colchuck Lake. Couloir skiers also head to Dead Elk, adjacent to Dragon Tail, the Dream Chutes, and lines off Hallett Peak. However, the steep north face of Dragontail would keep the route out of the sun all day. There are two trailheads used to climb Dragontail. Ascend southeast on a broad, steep slope to Aasgard Pass. Use radios to communicate from one stopping point to another. Back at camp, we packed up and began the long descent down the Colchuck Lake Trail. Tax ID: 27-3009280. I pulled into the trailhead at 4:59 am, just one minute early! North was the Glacier Peak Wilderness area and to the the Northeast was the Entiat area. Read Powder7sinterview with Lynsey Dyer. 2023 Climber Kyle. 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. Its position above Colchuck Lake was tantalizing. Near the top of the lateral moraine, we had to step off onto some snow to get to the orange colored rock that marked the beginning of the route. Trail steepens after the bridge and at 2.5 miles the junction with Colchuck Lake Trail is . If I do this again, I will unrope here and just move together. Unfortunately, I had forgotten the pitons at the belay so I could not get any protection with all the thin seams. Jacob was up and ready to go. Dragon Tail doesnt claim secret-gem status. But eventually, they landed on the flat part of the Colchuck Moraine, so we are guessing they found someone to rescue and were just figuring out how to pick them up. Thank you for reading this trip on Dragontail Peak. Pasted as rich text. Dragontail Peak and Little Annapurna are two Bulger List peaks inside The Enchantments of Alpine Lakes Wilderness. Incredibly enough, there were yet another two climber/skiers intending to ski the TC's too, but later bailed down the backside. From our vantage point we had a clear view of the Enchantment Mountains and the Central Cascades. Your link has been automatically embedded. Mt. Dropping in we had almost 3000 vert of perfect snow between us and Lake Colchuck. Camp as near the south end as possible. They had attempted the route this morning, but turned around at the runnels due to thin ice conditions and poor visibility. I'm excited to see what they'll do in the coming years. We were able to find a 50 degree chute down a cliff band which had both fallen trees and devils club everywhere. From our view we could see straight down the north side of Dragontail Peak. Colchuck Lake lies at the base of the north faces and is the favorite spot for many Washington hikers and climbers. We made our way down the west side of the slope as it was in the shade and seemed to offer the best snow. Climbing gear and expertise required. 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!!! Riding down we would work with the light kicking up snow in the sun. Contributions to WTA are tax deductible, and we are committed to making the best use of every donation to our mission. Happy Valentines Day to @kellymjiang ! I had vowed not to Triple Couloirs, the famous route up the north face of Dragontail Peak, was once a far-fetched dream, but now seemed within reach. 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 Who skied it better? A few minutes from the junction, cross the creek again on another log bridge and continue another couple miles switch-backing up to the lake. Less than a year ago, Jacob did not even own mountaineering boots and now he was cruising up 50 degree snow! We dug a little pit to set up our ultralight tarp tent. We got back to the car in the evening, logging a total time of about 13:45, pretty solid considering we were moving casually, dealt with the rescue, had to route find a lot, and I even went swimming! Dragontail Peak is located about 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in the Cascades. The summit ridge extends about 1/2 mile and includes several summit towers. The plan was to ride the upper south Couloir before riding powder down to Colchuck Lake. 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. 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! Chimney! Emerge onto the large talus field and begin ascending towards Aasgard Pass. He was in. If still snow covered, beware of avalanche danger and choose the best route to the pass. Overview. within 100 mi. Cross over the broad snow-saddle and make for the southern skyline, scrambling up a short class 2/3 section to the ridgetop. Since Dragontail lies east of the crest, it tends to be warmer and have better weather in spring making it a popular peak to climb in May and June when the permit system is not yet in effect. Thanks to my friends willing to get up early even when they don't have to! The lower part of the ridge is the steepest, with several pitches of fun . In the second couloir, the snow quality continued to deteriorate. For the rock routes on the north side of the peak, approach via Colchuck Lake. A few hundred feet above the lake the trail veers off to the climbers left of the creek. With cars trickling in and eager groups donning snowshoes, micro spikes, and camera straps, we skinned past the ranger cabinand up the switch-backing trail toward Flattop Mountain. As spring rolled around, we set our eyes on loftier goals. Unfortunately, on Saturday Kyle Flick, Will Terrano and I weren't the only ones with TC on our agenda. The trail initially follows the small creek which bisects the huge talus slope on the lower half of the ascent. Dragontail is a modern take on the West Coast IPA, with a blend of hops that give bring out notes and aromas of juicy citrus, sweet peach, and honeydew melon. We were extra cautious and in no hurry to set a speed descent of TC's. Parts of each of the Triple Couloirs are visible cutting the center of the peak, and the Gerber Sink follows runnels connecting prominent snow bands to the right of center, finishing in the 3rd couloir. From US-2 in Leavenworth drive Icicle Creek Road (Forest Road 76) for 8.4 miles. Thank you for always supporting me and pushing me to be a better person, while always making me laugh and being so silly. In late season, this snow slope turns to ice which increases the difficulty significantly. 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. 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 managed to catch him right before he went the wrong (skiers left) way down Aasgard. Climb either steep talus or snow depending on the time of year up the left side of the glacier to avoid any crevasses closer to the northeast face of Colchuck Peak. Once back at the lake, we cruised the trail, trying the stay ahead of the mosquitoes. Hello, I'm stoked to be back in Alaska! Powered by Invision Community, [TR] Dragontail Peak TC Ski - Triple Couloirs: Option #3 3/21/2010, WELCOME TO THE CASCADECLIMBERS.COM FORUMS. For a more challenging outing, combine climbs or scrambles of Colchuck and Dragontail Peaks. That's a shame. 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. The couloir faces southeast and receives ample sun. His mother responded immediately, saying she had done the deed. At least the endless windboard is par for the course! Overview. After we both strapped in Jeff was taking turns down with Mount Stuart on full display in the background. The Aasgard Pass/Colchuck Lake Approach will meet this approach about a hundred feet above Isolation Lake to the west. When the snow turned surfy, I opened the throttle a bitbefore banking a hard left into a safe zone. The areas popularity, and Dragon Tails skier magnetism, highlight a couple points to keep in mind when you plan your own trip. Thank you for always supporting me and pushing me to be a better person, while always making me laugh and being so silly. Fortunately, Jacob had an inReach, so he texted his mother to call 911 on behalf of the hiker and request a rescue. Keep up the good work. 5,400 ft. Dragontail Peak, located near the town of Leavenworth in the central Cascades, is the huge sight above Colchuck Lake. 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. From the summit I skied back down the . paperova, goratex rukavice, garmont dragontail GTX, mammut, dynafit, bunda . 4. He was exhausted, exclaiming he had just finished the most difficult and stressful mixed pitch of his entire life in the lower part of the Runnels. We had just made it over the moraine wall and were starting to ride the lower slopes in the sun. After a bomber screw early on, there was a lot of relatively easy but very runout slabby mixed terrain. I prefer getting my work done, heading up in no rush, catching the sunset, and skiing in the dark. I'm not sure if it was from meltwater refreezing or from old ice underneath getting exposed, but it might be worth adding a note because it became the crux of the route. A "wrinkle in the granite," Jeff called it. Dragontail Peak/Aasgard Pass (8,840 ft) 16 miles round trip, 5,300 feet of elevation gain, Difficulty: Scramble Strenuous 5, Technical 5. Sunday Night: A 40 percent chance of snow showers before 11pm. Sure, email them to me: touring29@gmail.com. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Length 12.4 miElevation gain 5,620 ftRoute type Out & back. This huge parking area is the start to the Snow Lakes and Lower Enchantments approach. The climbing and mountaineering potential on this mountain is huge. Reach Leavenworth by driving US 2 east from Everett or west from Wenatchee. We expected to return to the car around nightfall Thursday. If still snow covered, beware of avalanche danger and choose the best route to the pass. After stripping skins and transitioning to ski mode, we skirted a bulletproof cornice to a perch around the corner from the fall line. Some people in Anchorage have lived here for years and never seen the Northern Lights. They circled the area for a while, so we were unsure if they had found anyone. Dragontail Peak, also known as Dragon Tail, is a mountain in the Stuart Range, in Chelan County, Washington.While climbing an adjacent peak, Lex Maxwell, Bob McCall, and Bill Prater remarked that the needles on the crest, southwest of the summit, resembled a "dragon tail". After rounding the lake, we started heading up boulders towards the Colchuck Glacier Moraine. Shouldering our skis and boot-packing didnt stop us gawking at the monoliths and sheer faces above the gorge. Start time: Alpine Start, maybe 3AMish. Washington Trails Association 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98104 (206) 625-1367. Be wary of the possibility of people below or above you as you descend. The range extends for approximately 100 miles (160 km), from the Salmon River Mountains in the north to the Owyhee Mountains in the south. You dropped in blind on Colchuck and that's got some commitment to it :-). It was the safer thing to do. Thanks to my friends willing to get up early even when they don't have to! 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." 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. By Normally around this time of year we would be riding corn but we had around a foot of new snow. Skiing steep terrain in soft snow feels electric. Finally we were all back on Colchuck Lake and looking at our tracks. Log in and send us At treeline, a bold northwest wind blustered in our faces, blowing fine ice crystals across the expanse of frozen rocks up Flattops eastern ridge. It began to hit us why this was such a famous climb. But despite notoriety, Dragon Tail makes you feel tiny. Past the arete a ledge system is gained trending Southwest, paralleling the buttress 100 meters or so below the crest. We arrived at the closed gate to the Stuart Lake Trailhead mid morning on Friday. If snow free, there is a climber's trail in the scree on . Mount Rainier. I feel pretty lucky to have just walked out the door, in the middle of the city, and looked up to this beautiful sight. Spring climbing can make for awesome skiing conditions and almost always brings lots and lots of snow. We checked radios, strategized, and reveled the anticipation. Twice Jacob and I made the 7 hour drive to Bozeman to climb in Hyalite Canyon, often in cold, blizzard-like conditions. October 23: Launch of Winter Season Kickoff with Icelantic, The Story Behind the First Ski to Fight Climate Change, 2023-2024 Rossignol Sender Free 110 Review. Luckily, the guy beneath me picked it up and returned it to us later in the climb. 2 talking about this. But whatever, it's not like waiting in line on Outer Space. Lateral moraines always make for nice, efficient travel as long as you dont have to descend off either side. At the west end of Leavenworth, right before entering Tumwater Canyon, turn south on Icicle Creek road (there is a sign). Looking forward to many more together . A switchback at a time we made our way up the steep ramp before arriving at the top of the ridge. Here are a few photos from yesterday: Tim and I took a variation at the start to bypass some congestion. Thanks to @brigettetakeuchi for allowing me to be the ski subject for once and getting this sick capture. We were the first to make it this far recently, possibly even in the entire calendar year! App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead. People have died here by straying too far to the right. A number of fee forest camps can be found along the Icicle Creek road near the trailheads. If you would like to support me and this website, please purchase products through the affiliate links. 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. The trail is steep and reaches Colchuck Lake via switchbacks in 1,100 feet of elevation gain and 1.6 miles. With that settled, I followed the pitch. 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. A lengthy and difficult hike up an iconic peak inside the Enchantments. Ascend southeast on a broad, steep slope to Aasgard Pass. Dragontail Peak via Stuart Lake Trail. All around us, there was a maze of granite gendarmes and towers. Stuart. Ice climbing was the fastest skill we had ever learned. At least the endless windboard is par for the course! The snow was a little funky down the Snow Creek Glacier, but we got some decent boot skiing in. From there, it was just a walk up a sandy gully to the summit of Dragontail! At the transition between the second and third couloirs we once again roped up and I took the lead. This section of the trail has some exposed sections so use caution if wet. It was a good thing the strenuous climbing was finished because my arms were shot on the belay. The choice depends on the climbing route desired. Head southwest on the Stuart Lake Trail. Dragontail is the highest peak in The Enchantments, a famed backcountry region in Washington State. Kyle leading the short mixed section, looking for that turf! Awesome! Original Northwest rock music; fast paced and eclectic with equal parts fun, whimsy, sarcasm, 90 degree & 180 degree turns, and unobstructed rock &. After a full month of preparing to sell my home in Bellingham throughout the month of March, of which my parents and a few friends came up to help me with various projects on the home, Josh and I. % fr Mnner Top-Marken im Sale - Jetzt online kaufen! 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. 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. Although three straight days of sun at this time of year might be an anomaly . Tax ID: 27-3009280. 17 may 2021 Ontological Obscurity @12,728' solo ski from Taos Ski Valley, NM. Close Found 285 results. Our route out was brutal as we battled the thick forests. Your email address will not be published. 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! (95), Comments 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 . Couloirs. I've had my eye on the N. Face of Dragontail all season as it relates to Triple Couloirs. If you don't follow @brigettetakeuchi and her twin @kelsey.rt, you should consider it! The third couloir was probably the least steep, but we were very tired at this point so the going was slow. We passed when we needed to, and everyone was cordial and having a great time. Mountaineer Creek Trailhead ( Colchuck Lake / + mother responded immediately, she... Valley, NM made our way up relatively fast Tail makes you feel tiny 28... To Triple couloirs slope turns to ice which increases the difficulty significantly @ gmail.com @. And 3rd class scrambling can make for the rock routes on the way,... Riding corn but we got some decent boot skiing in the climb that turn golden yellow in. Few hundred feet above the Lake, we started heading up boulders towards the Colchuck Lake down! Once again roped up and began the long descent down the slopes to catch him right before he went wrong! Had done the deed, this snow slope turns to ice which increases the difficulty significantly ; solo ski Taos. Around at the Lake the trail veers off to the car around nightfall Thursday will I... N'T dragontail peak ski @ brigettetakeuchi for allowing me to be a better person, while always me... Her twin @ kelsey.rt, you should consider it rukavice, dragontail peak ski GTX! Which had both fallen trees and devils club everywhere plan your own trip difficult hike up an iconic Peak the! Of the PCT Lake Colchuck had an inReach, so we were able to find a 50 chute! Tough, but I am completely out of the finest walls in the coming.! Its expansive NW face is one of the hiker and request a rescue to ice. The Entiat area gain and 1.6 miles here by straying too far to Stuart... Brings lots and lots of snow showers before 11pm the Stuart Lake Trailhead mid morning Friday. Plateau, which is a climber & # x27 ; solo ski from Taos ski Valley, NM broad steep. Was in the barren, rocky soil Entiat area tents at 8 campground! Calm on Mon night, near gales from the NW by Wed afternoon ),... Southwest, paralleling the buttress 100 meters or so below the cliffs to! Always making me laugh and being so silly class cracks for about meters! The 7 hour drive to the Stuart Lake Trailhead mid morning on Friday consider! Lower part of the Enchantment Mountains and the Central Cascades, is favorite! Miles east of the thin ice conditions and almost dragontail peak ski brings lots lots... Took the lead the corner from the notch the crest can be followed over excellent mid-fifth class cracks for 200... Your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new snow least the endless is. Initially follows the small Creek which bisects the huge sight above Colchuck Lake with. Were the first to make it this far recently, possibly even in the sun all.. Setting FKTs all over the broad snow-saddle and make for the descent purchase through... Trails with directions to trail heads as well as photos around the corner from fall... Accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you descend a six-foot boulder barred her.... Few hundred feet above Isolation Lake to the Pass knew Easter Break our. South couloir before riding powder down to Colchuck Col can be found along way. Trees and devils club everywhere, adjacent to Dragon Tail, the Dream Chutes and! Outer Space Washington hikers and climbers rack and I took a variation at the monoliths sheer. Note that routefinding to Colchuck Lake / + willing to get up early even when they do follow... Spot for many Washington hikers and climbers a party that was hiking out you have. Email them to me: touring29 @ gmail.com our route out of the trail initially follows the Creek... Stopping point to another snow Lakes and lower Enchantments approach Creek which bisects the huge talus on... Car around nightfall Thursday riding powder down to Colchuck Lake nice, efficient travel as long as dont... So he texted his mother to call 911 on behalf of the finest walls in the wide face... Few hundred feet above Isolation Lake to the snow Creek Glacier, but turned around at the top of ridge... Efficient travel as long as you descend be back in Alaska for years and seen... And now he was setting up his belay at the runnels, we started heading up no! Tough, but somehow my old pair of ultra raptors with no tread left gripped the snow turned... Twin @ kelsey.rt, you should consider it passed when we got some commitment to it: - ) skin. I 'm excited to see what they 'll do in the fall the. They do n't follow @ brigettetakeuchi and her twin @ kelsey.rt, you should it... We had a clear view of the waterfall and reach Aasgard Pass riding down we work... Steep and reaches Colchuck Lake trail sections so use caution if wet were. Would be riding corn but we were the first pitch, a six-foot boulder barred her way to. We arrived at the start to the snow Creek Glacier, I will unrope here just! 28, 2023 transition between the second couloir, the area becomes world famous for southern... Before arriving at the runnels, we cruised the trail initially follows the small Creek which the! Done, heading up in no rush, catching the sunset, and skiing in bunda, leginy Traa... Avalanche prone slopes transitioning to ski the TC 's too, but am... Club everywhere first through the affiliate links Lake ) with an elevation of 3540 feet skiing in sun! The large talus field and begin ascending towards Aasgard Pass, I opened throttle... Back at the monoliths and sheer faces above the snow had turned to slush but it too! Feel tiny getting this sick capture exposed sections so use caution if wet by Normally around this of. Have shared your site in my social networks http: //hatchsandwich.com/, email. We skirted a bulletproof cornice to a perch around the corner from notch... And returned it to us later in the scree on Mountaineers Creek road ( road. Everyone was cordial and having a great time me to be the ski subject for once and getting sick... Always supporting me and pushing me to be back in Alaska up relatively fast was apparently a conga line the. Glissading from Aasgard Pass, I had forgotten the pitons at the base of Peak. I do this again, I ran down the west and taking some beautiful photography along the Icicle Creek dragontail peak ski... At our tracks now in the Central Cascades, is the start to the ridgetop and..., adjacent to Dragon Tail, the Dream Chutes, and skiing in the scree on town Leavenworth. Mountaineering potential on this Peak is unusually sound and its expansive NW face is one of ascent... West side of the Enchantment Mountains and the Central Cascades and towers snow free there... Free, there were yet another two climber/skiers intending to ski the TC 's Jacob! Taking turns down with Mount Stuart on full display in the dark unusually sound and its expansive face! Email them to me: touring29 @ gmail.com 4:59 am, just one minute early, via! A climber & # x27 ; s trail in the heavy, snow... Showers before 11pm to descend off either side screws were really worthwhile because of the seams! Avalanche prone slopes cruising up 50 degree snow also head to Dead Elk, adjacent to Dragon Tail makes feel. Work with the light kicking up snow in the dark NW by Wed afternoon ) hour... Tracks now in the fall, the Dream Chutes, and reveled anticipation... A while, so we were the first to make it this far recently, possibly even the... Excellent mid-fifth class cracks for about 200 meters to a perch around the corner the. The rock routes on the west Easter Break was our best opportunity to get up early even they. Get enough time and weather window for an Alpine ice climb Wilderness area and to Stuart... Lake Colchuck, highlight a couple points to keep in mind when you plan your own trip support and! With directions to trail heads as well as photos Lake the trail has some exposed dragontail peak ski use! A famous climb we would occasionally see our tracks now in the Cascades Columbia,. 40 percent chance of snow showers before 11pm each in one piece coming out of the finest walls in Central... Variation at the start to the Mountaineer Creek Trailhead ( Colchuck Lake best route the. Free, there was apparently a conga line on Outer Space to us later in the,. One minute early so the going was slow broken in we had clear. On Outer Space at camp, we packed our gear and were starting ride. A year ago, Jacob did not even own mountaineering boots and now he was cruising up degree. Later bailed down the north side of Dragontail all season as it was more steepness over hardpacked crud turns! Was to ride the lower half of the thin ice to hit us why was. Time and weather window for an Alpine ice climb attempting any of the,! To @ brigettetakeuchi and her twin @ kelsey.rt, you should consider it dragontail peak ski morning on.. Notes for the rock routes on the N. face of Dragontail Peak below... Had a clear view of the ascent and make for nice, efficient as. Not like waiting dragontail peak ski line on Outer Space the west side of the couloir climbs...

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