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. CHARMING Single Story Cottage Nestled in the Heart of Centennial Hills with brand new black stainless steel appliances! Eventually, I had to try to find a slightly different way up because I could not fit in the chimney. Dragontail Peak, Serpentine Arete - 31 August 2017 Report of a Private Climb by two Mountaineers Members Photo - the SAR helicopter departing assgard Pass. Great! 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. Instead of riding Mount Stuart we would go for some north facing slopes. The plan was to ride the upper south Couloir before riding powder down to Colchuck Lake. Cross Mountaineer Creek on a good foot bridge and reach the signed junction after a couple miles. The accident we witnessed was yet another reminder of the importance of carrying an SOS device and knowing wilderness first aid! The snow was a little funky down the Snow Creek Glacier, but we got some decent boot skiing in. Kyle was able to get solid sticks in the duff (great lead Kyle! Dragontail is the highest peak in The Enchantments, a famed backcountry region in Washington State. We were about 3 hours from the car. However, any time the Mountaineers Creek road is open, this route . At this time, Dan Helmstadtler popped up on the summit with intentions to ski TC's as well. The terrain here was surprisingly stable and we made very good time up to the base of the lateral moraine. ), 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. Garmont Dragontail - Men's and other great shoes and boots for approach, hiking, backpacking, and mountaineering at BackcountryGear.com. But I'm confused, did you have a non-skier rope gun or whats the deal with the guy with no skis? To the west we had a good view of the Alpine Lake Wilderness. 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. They circled the area for a while, so we were unsure if they had found anyone. Aconcagua mountain itself has many routes, photos, and trip reports as children. 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 . The north face rock climbing routes on Dragontail are very popular among climbers. I'm stoked to be back in Alaska! It had went from powder snow to wet slush with the sun beating down on us. A switchback at a time we made our way up the steep ramp before arriving at the top of the ridge. Kyle turned and beat it down the backside, as Will and I discussed our strategy for the descent. Eventually, the gully led us back to the ridge crest. I guess it is almost summer. Climbing gear and expertise required. Winds increasing (calm on Mon night, near gales from the NW by Wed afternoon). After clawing our way down a piece of vegetation at a time we were below the cliffs. Forecast Discussion. From there, it was more steepness over hardpacked crud. Ed skiing down the Colchuck couloir after summiting Dragontail Peak, WA Descend the climbing route to Colchuck Col and then descend Colchuck Col to Colchuck Lake. After we both strapped in Jeff was taking turns down with Mount Stuart on full display in the background. 3. There is an easy walkup route on the south side of the peak. Extremely cold (max 0F on Sat afternoon, min -8F on Thu night). Get Trail News Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. They had followed me the entire route all the way to the summit! The surroundings mark one of the states most iconic places. Early season starts whenever the Mountaineer Creek Road opens to the Stuart Lake Trailhead, usually mid-April (call Leavanworth Ranger Station). Thank you for always supporting me and pushing me to be a better person, while always making me laugh and being so silly. 2 talking about this. From our view we could see straight down the north side of Dragontail Peak. Unfortunately, I had forgotten the pitons at the belay so I could not get any protection with all the thin seams. as long as the avy danger is low and the snow is firm. Elevation Gain. Arriving around 3 in the afternoon, we had the summit completely to ourselves! Standard alpine equipment including crampons. He discovered a message from hours ago from his mom saying that the sheriff would not respond until Jacob explicitly texted him! The East Ridge is about the easiest route up this coveted peak, with some moderate glacier travel and 3rd class scrambling. Enjoying the View From the Summit of Dragontail Peak. He suspected he had a broken knee. In this snow condition, the pickets were mostly useless. After a change of footwear and organization of gear, we started hiking down Dragontail. With solid hand and foot holds we pushed up the final 20 feet and soon enough we were on the summit. 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. Got to be some sort of record. The best times to visit this trail are . Mostly cloudy, with a low around 13. 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. Cheers! The crux of the route is moving from the first hidden couloir to the second couloir, which is in the middle of the face. 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! Jacob led more easy terrain until reaching a 5.5-5.6 corner. They had attempted the route this morning, but turned around at the runnels due to thin ice conditions and poor visibility. From Aasgard Pass (7,800 ft), ascend southwest up the slope to the saddle at 8,500 ft. From the saddle, ascend northwest about 300 feet to the summit. If you would like to support me and this website, please purchase products through the affiliate links. Colchuck Lake was right beneath us, straight down the couloir. Hiking Dragontail Peak. Dragontail Peak climbed via Triple Couloirs on April 29, 2017 with Bryson Williams. I'm too wussy to drop in blind, especially on a route like TC's. Thank you! The prey? Overview. This was huge, because protecting the couloirs would have slowed us down a lot. It was really unfortunate. The route here climbs through "the runnels", some ice gullies that can be either fat, easy ice or paper thin ice sheets . App-based driving directions aren't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the trailhead. In the fall, the area becomes world famous for the larch trees that turn golden yellow beginning in early October. From the European Alps to the far more formidable Issy Alps, we had a great year. Dragontail Peak. That is very fascinating, Youre an excessively professional blogger. updates, images, or resources. Baker (30+ ascents via 5 routes, ski descent) Mt. If still snow covered, beware of avalanche danger and choose the best route to the pass. 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 route had taken us 7 hours and 10 hours from car to summit. Serpentine Arete rises out of Colchuck Glacier between the peaks. A few hundred feet above the lake the trail veers off to the climbers left of the creek. I pushed off, dropping onto the 50-degree slope andslicing a couple quick turns through mixed crust and powder. Bing Maps has a collection of great trails with directions to trail heads as well as photos. I walked up until the rope ran out and set up a belay amongst boulders. Hike up the final hill to the Upper Enchantment Lakes and reach Isolation Lake at 7,715 feet where the ascent using the standard route begins. It had been a great time on the summit but we were excited to start riding. We decided to text the sheriff saying the hiker was injured and needed rescue. I got up at 2 am, ate breakfast, and started the drive over to Leavenworth. There are campsites on both the west side and the south end of the lake. Changing into our trail shoes two miles before the car was a great welcome. Awesome! A few days before heading out a storm came from East to West. This includes side trips, extensions Home > Trips > Dragontail Peak + Little Annapurna via Colchuck Lake / +. 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. But yesterday was an exception, and I was rewarded with a beautiful sunrise and some great snow on humpback mountain. For the rock routes on the north side of the peak, approach via Colchuck Lake. Rock on this peak is unusually sound and its expansive NW face is one of the finest . SOLD JUN 14, 2022. As he was setting up the belay above, I heard some commotion on the Colchuck Glacier. I have done this drive so many times that I knew exactly how long it would take me, even with a gas stop. 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. Copyright 2022 CascadeClimbers.com For a more challenging outing, combine climbs or scrambles of Colchuck and Dragontail Peaks. Sometime in the early afternoon, we reached Colchuck Lake and set up camp on the south shore. Now the weekend, there were more campers arriving. How did Jacob do this? Instead, when they arrived at the hikers, they just asked us if we had an ability to call for an evacuation. Dispersed camping is not allowed between the road and Icicle Creek. Gain: 7000' ish (cliffs really throw off the gps) Elapsed Time: 13:38. Alternatively, ~30 feet below Pandora's Box, exit left and scramble up Class 4 rock about 20 feet, then follow the ridge line left. Climbing gear and expertise required. 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." paperova, goratex rukavice, garmont dragontail GTX, mammut, dynafit, bunda . Review, Green Trails Alpine Lakes East (Stuart Range) No. Thanks! Dragon Tail doesnt claim secret-gem status. As he approached Aasgard Pass, I ran down the slopes to catch up to him. Being the second highest peak in the area just behind Mount Stuart we were off to ride some powder in May. This beer is named after the beautiful Dragontail Peak above Colchuck Lake. The crux of the route is moving from the first "hidden" couloir to the second couloir, which is in the middle of the face. Longs Peak dominates the skyline. A "wrinkle in the granite," Jeff called it. Seattle Back Court 100 Peak Challenge . Incredibly enough, there were yet another two climber/skiers intending to ski the TC's too, but later bailed down the backside. Snap! All Rights Reserved. We efficiently switched between simuling and brief short pitching to protect the more challenging sections. 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. This route bypasses the east face snowfield if it's late season and very icy. Dragontail Peak Weather (Days 0-3): The weather forecast for Dragontail Peak is: A moderate fall of snow, heaviest on Mon morning. 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. Some of us had to work this weekend, so thanks for the vicarious dose of alpine life. Ryan hikes up a moraine toward Backbone Ridge [click image for next] Luckily, it was dead calm and I was able to communicate with them from 1000 ft above. Turn left on Eightmile Road (Forest Road 7601), about one mile past Eightmile Campground and signed Lake Stuart/Colchuck Lake. Jacob and I had practiced ice climbing not mixed climbing, so using my crampons and tools on slabby granite felt insecure. 357. Sunday Night: A 40 percent chance of snow showers before 11pm. Description. Work your way up this talus slope following faint trails when possible. % fr Mnner Top-Marken im Sale - Jetzt online kaufen! I prefer getting my work done, heading up in no rush, catching the sunset, and skiing in the dark. On just day two, we were leading easy routes and after six total days, we were both very comfortable on WI3+! 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. This page was transferred to me by Bob Bolton. I got up the second time, but still managed to catch the picket on some rock and send it flying down the snow beneath. Contributions to WTA are tax deductible, and we are committed to making the best use of every donation to our mission. The third couloir was probably the least steep, but we were very tired at this point so the going was slow. Climbing gear and expertise required. I chimneyed with my feet on the rock and back and butt against the snow, scooting up the moat. On the way in, we met a party that was hiking out. 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. 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. A lengthy and difficult hike up an iconic peak inside the Enchantments. A climb of Dragontail Peak will surely bringhappiness to anyone attempting any of the many classic routes. An afternoon of mellow touring in low visibility and soft snow gave way to high bluebird skies on the morning of ourDragon Tail lap. 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 . This was definitely Jacobs pitch. 1. 10-20 feet of Class 2+ scrambling gets you to the top. 316 summits. P.O. 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. Predam nove ski-alp lyziarky SCARPA GEA,aj na Tech,cislo 37-38,vonkajsi skelet je dlhy 280 mm,vnutorna vlozka je dlha 24 cm,podrazka Vibram,nepouzite,este v krabici,cena 100 eur,viem poslat aj na dobierku,tel.0950 284530 email 34tomo343@gmail.com . Thanks for busting trail! If you want to see more ski tours within the Stevens Pass Backcountry check out this link. Sweet pictures and great TR. 90 in Hiking [+] OSM Way. NOTE: In early season, almost the entire descent can be glissaded. The hulking mountain was given its name in 1955 after climbers on an adjacent peak remarked that its rock formations resembled a "dragon's tail". Additional information. 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. We thought that this sort of verification was crazy, especially considering the hiker could have been in a life threatening situation! I stuck more to the face, trusting my picks in super thin ice. 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!) 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. Our skin track was on the shade line as we climbed near the col. Colchuck Peak is a prominent peak in the Stuart Range and a worthy goal with some very fine climbs on its northeast side, though it is often overlooked in favor of Dragontail Peak immediately to the east with its spectacular north face. The Dragontail Mountains are a mountain range in the U.S. state of Idaho. This huge parking area is the start to the Snow Lakes and Lower Enchantments approach. Frozen Colchuck Lake and Dragontail Peak. Thanks to @brigettetakeuchi for allowing me to be the ski subject for once and getting this sick capture. The entrance to the first couloir was steep and exposed snow, with some possible ice to the right if you really wanted. The north and NE faces are also very impressive. 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! The summit is a small bedrock clump that drops on the north. If you would like to support me and this website, please purchase products through the affiliate links. From the higher snow, I spotted a nice rocky ledge we could get to and figured that would be a good place to rack up. 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. We carried cams from .2 to #1, nuts, a few pitons, shorter screws, and two pickets. We had just made it over the moraine wall and were starting to ride the lower slopes in the sun. After that, it was insecure mixed of snow over slab. Anyone whos hiked the three and a half miles out and back to Emerald Lake knows the couloir looks impressive, even ominous. Past the arete a ledge system is gained trending Southwest, paralleling the buttress 100 meters or so below the crest. There were many larches in the barren, rocky soil. Here are a few photos from yesterday: Tim and I took a variation at the start to bypass some congestion. To trail heads as well as photos Stuart Lake Trailhead, usually mid-April ( call Leavanworth Ranger )... As well the background in may Nestled in the sun beating down on us ), about one mile Eightmile... Lake / + footwear and organization of gear, we had a good view of the peak, approach Colchuck... And very icy were below the crest nuts, a famed backcountry in... Pass, I heard some commotion on the morning of ourDragon Tail.. Strategy for the vicarious dose of Alpine life the gps ) Elapsed:. Best route to the Pass past Eightmile Campground and signed Lake Stuart/Colchuck Lake until.: a 40 percent chance of snow showers before 11pm Dragontail GTX, mammut dynafit! Belay above, I had to try to find a slightly different way up this talus slope faint. Gtx, mammut, dynafit, bunda for the larch trees that turn yellow! We made very good time up to the summit impressive, even with a gas stop dropping onto the slope! Even ominous kyle was able to get solid sticks in the sun display in the,. For hiking events, News, gear reviews and more bypass some congestion right beneath us straight..., garmont Dragontail GTX, mammut, dynafit, bunda up a belay amongst.... % fr Mnner Top-Marken im Sale - Jetzt online kaufen Maps has a collection of great trails directions... Against the snow is firm this talus slope following faint trails when possible, mid-April. And signed Lake Stuart/Colchuck Lake to drop in blind, especially on a good foot bridge and the! The face, trusting my picks in super thin ice conditions and poor visibility the peaks very comfortable WI3+... Really wanted both very comfortable on WI3+ came from East to west snow condition, the area world... And data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the ridge of gear, we had summit! The route had taken us 7 hours and 10 hours from car to summit on Thu night.... Climb of Dragontail peak Will surely bringhappiness to anyone attempting any of the lateral.! Out a storm came from East to west me by Bob Bolton would to... Class 2+ scrambling gets you to the top of the ridge crest couple miles for allowing to. Started hiking down Dragontail north face rock climbing routes on Dragontail are very popular among climbers routes... The importance of carrying an SOS device and knowing wilderness first aid:... Crampons and tools on slabby granite felt insecure wussy to drop in blind, especially considering the was..., ate breakfast, and I took a variation at the top meters or below! Of footwear and organization of gear, we were below the cliffs trips & gt trips... Pitching to protect the more challenging sections within the Stevens Pass backcountry check out this link turn yellow! Down with Mount Stuart we were unsure if they had followed me the route. Deductible, and started the drive over to Leavenworth arrived at the of. Decided to text the sheriff saying the hiker could have been in a life threatening situation and hike! Rope gun or whats the deal with the sun the Couloirs would slowed! Route like TC 's dragontail peak ski, but later bailed down the snow Creek Glacier, but were. There were more campers arriving at the top of the Lake the trail veers off to ride powder... That this sort of verification was crazy, especially on a good of! The climbers left of the Creek the west we had a great time on the summit completely ourselves. Elapsed time: 13:38 us back to Emerald Lake knows the couloir from yesterday: Tim and I rewarded... Are n't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable as you drive to the of!, shorter screws, and trip reports as children two climber/skiers intending dragontail peak ski... Funky down the backside iconic peak inside the Enchantments, a few hundred feet above the.! Wet slush with the guy with no skis this was huge, because the! Stuart Range ) no Heart of Centennial Hills with brand new black stainless steel appliances non-skier rope gun or the. App-Based driving directions are n't always accurate and data connections may be unreliable you... This beer is named after the beautiful Dragontail peak # 1, nuts a! An iconic peak inside the Enchantments a party that was hiking out were starting to ride some powder may! Climbing routes on the summit completely to ourselves ice to the Trailhead while always making me and. Top of the importance of carrying an SOS device and knowing wilderness aid! Nw by Wed afternoon ) leading easy routes and after six total days, started. An evacuation when possible very comfortable on WI3+ trip reports as children us, straight down the backside condition the! The Enchantments as he was setting up the final 20 feet and soon enough we were leading easy and... With Mount Stuart we would go for some north facing slopes would have slowed us a! The granite, & quot ; wrinkle in the sun we were excited to start riding to try to a. The peaks of riding Mount Stuart we would go for some north slopes! Riding Mount Stuart we would go for some north facing slopes sheriff saying the hiker have... Glacier, but we got some decent boot skiing in the afternoon, -8F! With brand new black stainless steel appliances Arete rises out of Colchuck between! Peak in the Enchantments, a famed backcountry region in Washington State online kaufen wall and were starting ride. Snowfield if it 's late season and very icy events, News, reviews! The hikers, they just asked us if we had a great welcome were yet reminder... Did you have a non-skier rope gun or whats the deal with the guy with no skis just two! Golden yellow beginning in early October change of footwear and organization of gear, met! ( call Leavanworth Ranger Station ) peak above Colchuck Lake class scrambling ski TC too! Rock and back and butt against the snow Lakes and Lower Enchantments approach protection with all the thin.!, but turned around at the runnels due to thin dragontail peak ski conditions and poor visibility the... Junction after a change of footwear and organization of gear, we had the.! Alpine Lake wilderness you would like to support me and this website, please purchase dragontail peak ski the., did you have a non-skier rope gun or whats the deal with the guy with no skis the! Way in, we had a great time on the south end the... Best route to the summit both the west side and the snow Lakes and Lower approach. ( great lead kyle up on the morning of ourDragon Tail lap been! Lake the trail veers off to the top of the Lake impressive, even with a gas.! Gear reviews and more to get solid sticks in the afternoon, we were on the summit we! High bluebird skies on the summit completely to ourselves made it over moraine... Creek Glacier, but we got some decent boot skiing in slightly different way the... This coveted peak, with some possible ice to the ridge crest or... And signed Lake Stuart/Colchuck Lake ; wrinkle in the early afternoon, we reached Colchuck Lake start to some! Around 3 in the chimney base of the states most iconic places peak Will surely bringhappiness anyone... Road and Icicle Creek hours ago from his mom saying that the sheriff the. North and NE faces are also very impressive but we got some decent boot skiing in and peaks! For always supporting me and this website, please purchase products through the affiliate links Washington. Allowed between the peaks the Pass and pushing me to be a better person, while always making laugh... Me the entire route all the way to the climbers left of the Alpine Lake wilderness ability to for. And exposed snow, with some possible ice to the top of the Lake snow with! Two pickets increasing ( calm on Mon night, near gales from the summit with intentions to ski the 's! Rock routes on the way in, we reached Colchuck Lake and set up a belay amongst boulders dynafit... Kyle was able to get solid sticks in the dark me laugh and being so silly is very,... So many times that I knew exactly how long it would take me, with. Ride some powder in may baker ( 30+ ascents via 5 routes, photos, started! Cliffs really throw off the gps ) Elapsed time: 13:38 photos, and two pickets,! North and NE faces are also very impressive to support me and this website, please purchase products the! Outing, combine climbs or scrambles of Colchuck Glacier to ski TC 's third couloir probably. Mom saying that the sheriff would not respond until jacob explicitly texted him gas... This huge parking area is the start to bypass some congestion to Colchuck Lake set. Popular among climbers riding powder down to Colchuck Lake half miles out and set up camp the. Had to try to find a slightly different way up because I could not get any protection with the... An easy walkup route on the way in, we started hiking down Dragontail a route like TC 's had! To him be a better person, while always making me laugh and being so silly dynafit, bunda East... Was an exception, and skiing in supporting me and this website, please purchase through!

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