Lion Rock 9.14.08

With the last day of vacation upon me I wanted to have a family picnic. I had tried to climb Lion's Rock #64 on the BC/100 earlier this year even though one can actually drive to the summit. With every list I am sure there are some gimmies. In most cases I try to resist doing it the easy way. On my attempt earlier this year I made it to the ridgeline only to be blasted by winds so strong that I could not even stand up. I remember thinking how nice it would be to make a return with the family on a nice sunny day. Today was that day. The crux of the day was driving the road from Liberty. The initial part is fairly good road but the second half is bumpy and unpleasant. It is 16 miles from Liberty adding to the family's discomfort. Finally we reached the end of the road after my 50th "we are almost there". True to form the weather was pleasant and the views were worth the aggravation. I enjoyed having both my daughter's tag their first Full Court Peak. Once again my oldest concocted a summit dance which this time I had the foresight to record for prosperity. We had a nice lunch and enjoyed the waning hours of Daddy's vacation. Even though it is 6 miles further to head towards Ellensburgh I opted for that choice. My thinking was the road had to be better. For once I made the right choice! The road soon switched to a narrow PAVED road. I am sure it is much faster via this route. Another great day in the mountains albeit a little less conventional.




Approx 20' 0' climb 20 seconds car to car

Scatter Peak 9.12.08

With the recent nice weather streak coninciding with my vacation I thought it best to take advantage. I had hoped to do a long day but my family needed me in the morning. I had to scramble for a back up plan that didn't involve the full day. I hadn't been up the Fortune Creek Road via car so I wasn't sure how far I would be able to drive. I thankfully was able to drive to the 4WD road that leaves to Van Epp's Pass. The road was barricaded due to the fire in the Jack Creek area. I knew I wouldn't access any of the closed areas so I promptly disregarded the trail closed signs. I was a little surprised to see two other rigs parked. Since I had such a late start (1PM) it was warmer than what I would have liked. I walked the road until I reached the North Fortune Creek Trail. I always enjoy being on a trail for the first time. The trail was in good shape and was steep in some spots. The plan was leave the trail just after crossing to the East of North Fortune Creek. I was struggling with heavy legs so I decided to stay on trail instead. As it turns out I would be much faster to leave the trail. After joining the County Line Trail you have to give back substantial amount of elevation. The County Line trail is easy to follow in places and not existent in others. I left the CLT aiming for the basin just below Scatter Peak. There are many meadowy/swampy areas that you could go through. I chose to stay on the margin of the rockslides on the East side of the basin. Soon I reached the lovely basin and dropped pack. It appeared to me that there are a few ways to go from the basin. It does look harder than it really is. I chose to head up almost directly to the summit. The footing wasn't great but I have seen much worse. I rounded an outcropping an reached a sub ridge that I followed a short ways to some slabs. I wasn't thrilled with crossing the crumbly slabs but thankfully the pitch isn't that steep. I was able to tease a route up to the summit using some small cracks. I topped out and was able to find the summit regsiter which I quickly signed. I snapped a few pictures before making my way very slowly down the crack system. I hadn't noticed the fires still burning in the Jack Creek area until I returned to look at the pictures. I guess I was much more concerned about my downclimb. On the way down I angled more towards the 6600' pass between Scatter Peak and


Scatter 2. The footing seemed more secure and I didn't have to cross the boulder field to rejoin my belongings in the basin below. Once I reached my pack I had a quick bite to eat and was off for the descent. I decided to forgo the CLT and instead just freewheel the descent. I was able to make it back to the NFCT without any issue. From there it was a quick jaunt to the car.



Approx 7 miles 3200ft of climb 5:30 car to car

Hibox 9.08.08

With the beautiful forecasted weather I was hoping to get out. My schedule ended up being compressed so I needed an efficient climb. Hibox was a perfect fit for this day, close and shortish. I made my way to the Rachel Lake trailhead and was off. I had been up the initial part of the climber's trail so I knew the way. The trail leaves the Rachel Lake trail just shy of 3300' after the second major clearing. The trail for the first 2000' was very easy to follow remarkable for a climber's trail. I was able to find some nice running water at around 4600' which I was thankful for. I was concerned about the dog's lack of water, I did have some extra for them but it was nice not have to use it. Once the trail breaks out in the open it is a little hard to follow but since the objective is plainly in sight it is of no bother. Once I reached the summit block I angled to the the NE to access Hibox's SE Ridge. The views on the way up were great to the South but they do not compare to the views to the North. I knew the last 250' would involve some Class 3 scrambling, but initially I couldn't find an easy way up. I looped around the North side and couldn't find anything. I was crestfallen because I really wanted to finish this one off. As I descended back to the my stowed belongings I noticed a nice slot on the nose of the ridge. There were some nice steps going up so I took them. I made sure the dogs stayed below. I felt like they could make it up but I wasn't sure of their ability to descend. Once up the slot the going was straightforward. Thankfully the dogs for once listened and stayed put. As I climbed further the rock wasn't solid so I carefully checked each hold. I thankfully reached the summit and quickly snapped some pictures. I couldn't find a register. I slowly descended and reached by belongings that I had left on the ridge. After dropping 500' I met a couple making their way up. I gave them some what I hoped to be helpful advice. The descent went quickly and thankfully without any incidence. Another great summit on what was a perfect weather day.




Approx 8 miles 3900' of climb 5:50 car to car.

Kaleetan 9.1.08

I managed to get a earlier than expected start time so at least I wouldn't have to run the way out. I knew being on the popular Denny Creek trail on a holiday would be dicey with the dogs, so they stayed stowed at home. I had hoped for some nice sunny weather but that wasn't to be. I sometimes wonder why I carry so much stuff when I go. Today was a good example why. I used most of my foul weather gear and still was a bit chilly. I left the trailhead about the same time as another couple and I paced them the entire way. Upon reaching Melawka Lake I found the trail to the privy and was off. I easily found the branch that is the climber's trail and was surprised in the condition of it. It was easy to follow and except for one short section was not as steep as expected. It does make quick work of the elevation gain. I soon crested Pt. 5700 to find a group waiting. Because Kaleetan was hiding in the clouds and only briefly coming out to be seen they were considering on turning back. I dropped to the West side of the ridge. The drop to the talus field below was the crux of the trip for me. The trail down was steep and very slippery. By the time I was halfway down Kaleetan broke out of the clouds. I was amazed that how imposing it looks. Had I not read any reports I would have thought it above my ability. I watched a solo climber making his way up the last 500' without issue which buoyed my confidence. I watched a black bear running back in forth above him. Initially thought it was his dog but soon realized it was not. The traverse was easier and quicker and soon I was making my way up. I dropped pack at the summit block and easily picked my way to the summit. I was able to make it in 3:45 which was quicker than anticipated. I chatted briefly with the lone climber and was off for the descent. Overall the descent was easier than expected and I found myself back at Melawka lake. The cloud ceiling had lifted so I snapped some quick pictures. I had to contend with the hordes on the way out. I easily saw more people in this one day hike than the last 2 years combined. I made it home in plenty of time to make my night's plans. Despite the weather it was a very memorable day.




Approx 10 miles 4700' of climb 7:30