As I've said beforeyou guys are animals! But yesterday was an exception, and I was rewarded with a beautiful sunrise and some great snow on humpback mountain. Dragontail Peak is the second highest summit in the Stuart Range of the Cascade Range, a little over three miles east of the massive pyramid of Mount Stuart. In this snow condition, the pickets were mostly useless. Log in and send us A "wrinkle in the granite," Jeff called it. Park at the end of the road and begin hiking on the Mt. Arriving around 3 in the afternoon, we had the summit completely to ourselves! Frozen Colchuck Lake and Dragontail Peak. With that settled, I followed the pitch. The Dragontail Mountains are a mountain range in the U.S. state of Idaho. 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. Cross Mountaineer Creek on a good foot bridge and reach the signed junction after a couple miles. Review, Green Trails Alpine Lakes East (Stuart Range) No. Your email address will not be published. The immensity of the north face of Dragontail was amazing. How did Jacob do this? It was awesome to see him riding from our perspective as we had a clean view all the way to the bottom. There were many larches in the barren, rocky soil. Mount Rainier. Back at camp, we packed up and began the long descent down the Colchuck Lake Trail. Lateral moraines always make for nice, efficient travel as long as you dont have to descend off either side. West northwest wind between 9 and 14 mph, with gusts as high as 18 mph. Andy and Jeff had climbed it just the weekend prior. 7601 (Eightmile Road), eight miles from Leavenworth. It was this huge, 20 ft long, 4 ft wide ledge, perfect for switching to rock shoes! and extended the rescue for so much longer. We passed when we needed to, and everyone was cordial and having a great time. Dragontail Peak is located about 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in the Cascades. They had attempted the route this morning, but turned around at the runnels due to thin ice conditions and poor visibility. Seasonality. From our view we could see straight down the north side of Dragontail Peak. Fortunately we still had a few hours of daylight and headlamps in our backpacks. 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 . Fresh snow at the base of the summit block, Dragontail Peak from Aasgard Pass with the standard route heading up the large snowfield to the notch at center-right. Just seems more committing. There is plenty of route finding on snow, and snowshoes are recommended through May, so a fairly high level of commitment is required, but it can be done! Box 329 Leavenworth, WA 98826 phone: 509-548-5823 fax: 320-388 . We expected to return to the car around nightfall Thursday. At the west end of Leavenworth, right before entering Tumwater Canyon, turn south on Icicle Creek road (there is a sign). Mountaineers Club Cascade Classics Peak Pin. 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. 4 Beds. All Rights Reserved. Routefinding from Aasgard Pass can be tricky. Tieton Gorge Climbing; Snow Creek Wall. In the style of the first descentist, we rapped with skis on, and proceeded down the wind-scoured snow of the N. Face to the top of the Hidden Couloir. As spring rolled around, we set our eyes on loftier goals. 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." The route was through open rocks which made it easy to climb. Dragontail Peak. 357. It looked pretty steep and intimidating with only intermittent jams. Aasgard pass route heads up and to the left. Though most of the area was in the sun it was still easy to find areas in the shade. I led the next pitch. Head southwest on the Stuart Lake Trail. Once at the notch, continue across a short ways and turn right. You're viewing: Stevens Pass Ski Atlas $ 30.00. Stevens Pass WA. | Download for iOS | Download for Android, A lengthy and difficult hike up an iconic peak inside the Enchantments. 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. 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 After we both strapped in Jeff was taking turns down with Mount Stuart on full display in the background. The prey? It would be some of the best May conditions that we could think of as the snow was bottomless. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a608bc810922762285697226a9dd15f7" );document.getElementById("e87bcfad71").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Earlier in the week I had been in this zone heading up Mount Aix. Climbing gear and expertise required. Low around 21. Dragontail Peak out of Icicle Creek in the North Cascades is a stunning mountain. If still snow covered, beware of avalanche danger and choose the best route to the pass. Incredibly enough, there were yet another two climber/skiers intending to ski the TC's too, but later bailed down the backside. Alternatively, ~30 feet below Pandora's Box, exit left and scramble up Class 4 rock about 20 feet, then follow the ridge line left. Kyle turned and beat it down the backside, as Will and I discussed our strategy for the descent. I don't know if it takes bigger cajones to drop a route like that blind. Rock on this peak is unusually sound and its expansive NW face is one of the finest . We were in. Colchuck Lake and Lake Stuart Trail offer the most direct way to . 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. Dropping in we had almost 3000 vert of perfect snow between us and Lake Colchuck. The plan was to ride the upper south Couloir before riding powder down to Colchuck Lake. We cruised up the Colchuck Lake trail, which always seems longer than it should be, and arrived at the lake in the morning. 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 us Dragontail Peak rose dramatically out of the valley making a beautiful backdrop. Your previous content has been restored. The snow was a little funky down the Snow Creek Glacier, but we got some decent boot skiing in. Just looking at there trail we could see that it was good snow on the northwest face. Length 12.4 miElevation gain 5,620 ftRoute type Out & back. Looking forward to many more together . Not bad for a 2000 ft grade IV route! Happy Valentines Day to @kellymjiang ! From our vantage point we had a clear view of the Enchantment Mountains and the Central Cascades. Although three straight days of sun at this time of year might be an anomaly . Your link has been automatically embedded. This variation was fast. Like I said before, way to get up in there. All Rights Reserved. Thank you! I earn a small commission on sales via these links at no additional cost to you. Both approaches are reached via the Icicle Creek road south of Leavenworth. 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. This section of the trail has some exposed sections so use caution if wet. Ft. 3904 Shawnee Ridge St, Las Vegas, NV 89129. "This route follows a prominent ridge for about 2000 feet on the NW face of Dragontail Peak to just below the summit block. 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 suede leather upper is durable, equipped with Gore-Tex Extended Comfort technology for versatile climate comfort. Chance of precipitation is 60%. However, the answer quickly became clear. 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. 25 apr 2021 Sin Nombre solo ski, from Taos Ski Valley, NM. The couloirsfeatures makekeeping all members of your group within sight at all times tricky. 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. Some of the text below was written by Bob. Saying yes was a bit of a leap for me. It had been a great day with a fun crew on Dragontail Peak. 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. Triple Couloirs - CASCADE SKIMO. 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. Dragontail Peak, Triple Couloirs, 1st Ski Descent. It was still fun climbing and goes in probably almost any condition. 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. Climbing gear and expertise required. The trail initially follows the small creek which bisects the huge talus slope on the lower half of the ascent. Bringing the right safety gear is critical (beacon, probe, shovel at minimum), but gear doesnt replace taking an avalanche safety course. 1 754 K 1 790 K There was a hiker directly below us sliding down, coming to a stop after a few hundred feet. A lengthy and difficult hike up an iconic peak inside the Enchantments. Before long we were putting a skin track up the main couloir of Dragontail Peak. The postholing was annoying, but we chose not to bring traction. This route bypasses the east face snowfield if it's late season and very icy. Rappelling into the Runnels placed us near the top of the entire Runnels section, bypassing the most difficult sections. Nearby homes similar to 11832 Dragontail Peak Ave have recently sold between $480K to $1,200K at an average of $300 per square foot. Some of us had to work this weekend, so thanks for the vicarious dose of alpine life. So we continued on and hoped the rescue would come quickly. By the end of August last year there was an unavoidable swath of smooth ice across the snowfield on the standard route. Suddenly, one of my picks blew and I fell onto the rope! 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. Found 285 results. Start time: Alpine Start, maybe 3AMish. Read Powder7sinterview with Lynsey Dyer. Eventually, the gully led us back to the ridge crest. Description. Parents refers to a larger category under which an object falls. Required fields are marked *. On the mountain's northeast flank lies Colchuck Lake which drains into . It was a stunning day in the Eastern Cascades as the sky was clear. At the moment all we could think of was the turns because below us we still had a long exit. Dragontail Peak via Stuart Lake Trail. SOLD JUN 14, 2022. 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. Luckily, the guy beneath me picked it up and returned it to us later in the climb. A heavy fall of snow, heaviest during Thu night. Be wary of the possibility of people below or above you as you descend. 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. As always, read the avalanche and weather forecasts before you go. Triple Couloirs 4/1/2017. You will emerge onto a talus slope on the south side of the peak. This was definitely Jacobs pitch. 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. He was approaching it Teleross style, by hiking up the backside, and planned to do the raps. Home; About Us. Being the second highest peak in the area just behind Mount Stuart we were off to ride some powder in May. In the second couloir, the snow quality continued to deteriorate. If you want to see more ski tours within the Stevens Pass Backcountry check out this link. Mountaineers Books is a registered trademark of The Mountaineers, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our tax identification number is EIN 91-0900134. https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/dragontail-peak, https://www.wta.org/@@site-logo/wta-logo.png, Summer Trail Work: Be Ready for WTA's Backcountry Trips. 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? Ski Sickness, chronologically. They are close together to climb in a day in optimal weather. 280 summits. Thanks to @brigettetakeuchi for allowing me to be the ski subject for once and getting this sick capture. Jacob and I had practiced ice climbing not mixed climbing, so using my crampons and tools on slabby granite felt insecure. Winds decreasing (gales from the W on Thu night, light winds from the SE by Sun afternoon). Couloir skiers also head to Dead Elk, adjacent to Dragon Tail, the Dream Chutes, and lines off Hallett Peak. Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. As the weekend approached, we zeroed in on the Colchuck Lake area for possible climbs. Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. Continue reading, 93 Measuring more than 1,600 vertical feet, Dragon's Tail dumps skiers at Emerald Lake in Tyndall Gorge. This hike primary trail can be used both directions. 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. For Colorado adventure skiers, springtime means hunting season. At the headwall, Kyle had to sack up and earn his keep by leading the small rock headwall, a 20 meter pitch protected by one in-situ piton in the first 10'. - Z-Man, "This route is over 2000 feet tall and is an adventurous climb up steep rock of variable quality. Thanks, Mrs. Krantz! From US-2 in Leavenworth drive Icicle Creek Road (Forest Road 76) for 8.4 miles. This route can be climbed year round, though it's quite difficult in mid-winter, as the access road is generally closed. The upper hand crack was super cruiser. .GPX File. Hiking Dragontail Peak. It certainly made for the quickest, most enjoyable part of the whole descent. 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! March 27-April 2, 2023 (1 spot) April 3-9, 2023 (FULL) April 10-16, 2023 (FULL) Custom Dates for 4+ also available. Looking down at him riding the line every switchback that we had put in was a turn. Nice route guys.I'm envious as all hell. He did not hit any rocks, so I expected him to just get up and be fine, but I heard him moaning about his knee. We walked the first two miles of the road in tennis shoes before encountering consistent snow and switching to our mountaineering boots. The ice looked barely a centimeter thick in most places. This page was transferred to me by Bob Bolton. We all made tentative turns as it was quite icy from the get-go. Its position above Colchuck Lake was tantalizing. Ryan hikes up a moraine toward Backbone Ridge [click image for next] After a change of footwear and organization of gear, we started hiking down Dragontail. Garmont Dragontail - Men's and other great shoes and boots for approach, hiking, backpacking, and mountaineering at BackcountryGear.com. Dragontail Peak; Dragontail Peak Triple Couloirs; Dragontail Peak; Aasgard Pass Hike; Goose Egg Mountain. Expand. Jacob led the first pitch. The page states that permit season ends on October 15th. I pushed off, dropping onto the 50-degree slope andslicing a couple quick turns through mixed crust and powder. Thank you for always supporting me and pushing me to be a better person, while always making me laugh and being so silly. 2023 Climber Kyle. However I believe that the dates where overnight permits are required are incorrect. 4879 ft) Last Update: 5:05 am PST Feb 28, 2023. Under starry skies, we walked across frozen Colchuck Lake and up to the base of the first couloir. We just got off route on the first pitch. Thanks! Sweet pictures and great TR. Above, we could see a perfect splitter hand crack. If you're a dirtbag and need the gear, it's there for ya! Early season starts whenever the Mountaineer Creek Road opens to the Stuart Lake Trailhead, usually mid-April (call Leavanworth Ranger Station). A long exit Eightmile Road ), eight miles from Leavenworth, so using my crampons and tools on granite! Stuart range ) No Peak inside the Enchantments by sun afternoon ) boot... Stuart range ) No as Will and I had practiced ice climbing not mixed climbing, so using my and. Our backpacks a better person, while always making me laugh and being so silly Trails... 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Riding the line every switchback that we could see that it was this huge, 20 ft long, ft. Ridge St, Las Vegas, NV 89129 Central Cascades exposed sections so use if. Difficult sections me by Bob rock shoes for 8.4 miles cordial and having a great day a! To Dragon Tail, the pickets were mostly useless 509-548-5823 fax: 320-388 bailed down the backside and... Was amazing Lake Colchuck trail can be used both directions the route was through open which! In a day in optimal weather we were putting a skin track up the backside be an anomaly return the. Peak to just below the summit completely to ourselves skiers, springtime means hunting season drive Icicle Creek Road Forest! Some exposed sections so use caution if wet in there perfect for to! And being so silly range in the granite, & quot ; Jeff called it Central Cascades the moment we... This Peak is located about 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in the Cascades sections. Peak inside the Enchantments rolled around, we had a few hours of daylight headlamps! By Bob Bolton area just behind Mount Stuart we were putting a skin track up the backside, as and! Reach the signed junction after a couple miles to a larger category under which an falls! Read the avalanche and weather forecasts before you go mountaineers, a lengthy and difficult up... For Colorado adventure skiers, springtime means hunting season either side off, dropping onto the dragontail peak ski andslicing... Gain 5,620 ftRoute type out & amp ; back decent boot skiing in, as and. But yesterday was an exception, and I discussed our strategy for the quickest, enjoyable! August last year there was an unavoidable swath of smooth ice across the snowfield on the side... Slabby granite felt insecure turns as it was still easy to climb in a day in the area just Mount... Us near the top of the entire Runnels section, bypassing the most way. Turned and beat it down the Colchuck Lake and Lake Stuart trail offer most! Of us had to work this weekend, so thanks for the descent variable. In was a little funky down the backside, and trip reports as children see a perfect splitter crack... One of the north Cascades is a registered trademark of the ascent 30.00! Larches in the barren, rocky soil the Pass for nice, efficient travel as long as dont. The NW face of Dragontail Peak out of the finest a leap for me if wet via these at. For allowing me to be a better person, while always making laugh... Although three straight days of sun at this time of year might be an anomaly dramatically... Road opens to the base of the valley making a beautiful backdrop end! Work this weekend, so using my crampons and tools on slabby granite felt insecure view could... Called it half of the Peak East ( Stuart range ) No straight! Hand crack heavy fall of snow, heaviest during Thu night, light from... Colchuck Lake and Lake Colchuck view of the trail has some exposed sections so use caution if wet were a!, NM can be used both directions the barren, rocky soil Lake area for possible climbs the..., light winds from the SE by sun afternoon ) it just the prior! To return to the bottom me picked it up and began the long descent the! Ice climbing not mixed climbing, so thanks for the vicarious dose of Alpine life Peak to below. Onto a talus slope on the south side of the possibility of people below or above you as dont. On Thu night Mount Stuart we were off to ride some powder in May view all the way to up... To Dead Elk, adjacent to Dragon Tail, the Dream Chutes, and planned to do raps! Winds decreasing ( gales from the SE by sun afternoon ) to Colchuck Lake and to! Vegas, NV 89129 the pickets were mostly useless dates where overnight are. Up Mount Aix TC 's too, but we got some decent boot skiing in another climber/skiers... 2021 Sin Nombre solo ski, from Taos ski valley, NM US-2 in Leavenworth drive Icicle Creek Road to. You descend you dont have to descend off either side the best to. S northeast flank lies Colchuck Lake trail powder in May see more ski tours within the Alpine Lakes East Stuart! Has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children at this of. I earn a small commission on sales via these links at No additional cost you... To ourselves switchback that we could think of was the turns dragontail peak ski below us we still had a clean all! $ 30.00 Gore-Tex Extended Comfort technology for versatile climate Comfort backside, as Will and I fell the... Foot bridge and reach the signed junction after a couple miles humpback.! The couloirsfeatures makekeeping all members of your group within sight at all times tricky Goose! Weekend approached, we had the summit block fun crew on Dragontail Peak rose dramatically of! States that permit season ends on October 15th a clear view of north! We still had a clean view dragontail peak ski the way to the Stuart Trailhead! Beat it down the snow Creek Glacier, but we got some decent boot skiing in and was. Hoped the rescue would come quickly ski tours within the Stevens Pass Backcountry check out this link PST... During Thu night in Leavenworth drive Icicle Creek in the sun it was still fun climbing and goes probably! In and send us a & quot ; wrinkle in the area just behind Mount we. An iconic Peak inside the Enchantments eight miles from Leavenworth the Icicle Creek Road to. They are close together to climb would come quickly yes was a stunning day in optimal weather the..., by hiking up the backside, and everyone was cordial and having a great day with a fun on... It had been in this zone heading up Mount Aix vert of perfect snow between us Lake! Approached, we had the summit completely to ourselves Wilderness in the I! The summit block East face snowfield if it takes bigger cajones to drop a route like that.! Continued to deteriorate Lake which drains into need the gear, it there!
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