At the moment all we could think of was the turns because below us we still had a long exit. 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! The suede leather upper is durable, equipped with Gore-Tex Extended Comfort technology for versatile climate comfort. Before long we were back on the trail and back to the car less then a hour before it was dark. 2023 Climber Kyle. Guided climbs of Dragontail Peak in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness offered by Northwest Mountain School and IMFGA guides John and Olivia Race. March 21, 2010 in Alpine Lakes, Trip: Dragontail Peak TC Ski - Triple Couloirs: Option #3. Followed by the Robins Lake area to Stevens Pass. As we passed the little lake near Aasgard Pass, I noticed the nice icebergs floating in the lake. This is the standard route up Dragontail peak and involves moderate angled snow climbing and easy Class 2+ scrambling. The sheriff had responded! From the northwest was the Chiwaukum area. 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. The prey? This route can be climbed year round, though it's quite difficult in mid-winter, as the access road is generally closed. Little Annapurna. Eventually, the gully led us back to the ridge crest. For example, the We knew Easter Break was our best opportunity to get enough time and weather window for an alpine ice climb. Although this route is one of the easier routes for any high Bulger, it isn't a cakewalk and good fitness is required to make it happen. There is an easy walkup route on the south side of the peak. However, the answer quickly became clear. The trail gradually climbs through forest along Mountaineer Creek and crosses creek at 1.5 miles on a log bridge. Just outside of Leavenworth we set up our tents at 8 mile campground and planned the next day. Trailhead Co-ordinates: 47.5279, -120.8205 Open in Google Maps. We were able to find a 50 degree chute down a cliff band which had both fallen trees and devils club everywhere. DARK BLUE: Colchuck Lake/Aasgard Pass Approach, YELLOW: East Slopes Standard Route - Class 3, LIGHT BLUE: Northeast Buttress - Class 5.8. Still, it is awesome. Page edited to reflect that. We efficiently switched between simuling and brief short pitching to protect the more challenging sections. And way off in the distance you could see the backcountry around Snoqualmie Pass, Crystal Mountain and Mount Rainier. 5,400 ft. Dragontail Peak, located near the town of Leavenworth in the central Cascades, is the huge sight above Colchuck Lake. Creamy turns down the sun-soaked apron above Emerald Lake floated us down to, sure enough, streed-shoed crowds amassing in the pine shade. Emerge onto the large talus field and begin ascending towards Aasgard Pass. Early season starts whenever the Mountaineer Creek Road opens to the Stuart Lake Trailhead, usually mid-April (call Leavanworth Ranger Station). The Hidden starts off steep and remains so, all the way to the exit. By now the snow had turned to slush but it was a fun line non the less. I traverse right for a while, and then left for a really long time, linking ledges all the way to where the Serpentine Arete joined Backbone Ridge. Finally, we crested the couloir and got a view of the summit. The north face is so broad and varied that there are dozens of routes the weave their way up through this true Cascadian giant. Rock on this peak is unusually sound and its expansive NW face is one of the finest . 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. 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." Once in the couloir, we enjoyed a great ski down to near the Colchuck-Dragontail Col. | Download for iOS | Download for Android, A lengthy and difficult hike up an iconic peak inside the Enchantments. Fun afternoon exploring some new zones around exit 54. Rope, Headlamp, Ski Poles, Tent Camp: Ascent Part of Trip: Dragontail Colchuck, Labor Day 2021 (2 nights total away from roads) Complete Trip Sequence: Order: Peak/Point: Date: Gain: 1: Dragontail Peak: 2021-09-04 : 1: Colchuck Peak: 2021-09-04 : GPS Data for Ascent/Trip. Dragontail Peak via Stuart Lake Trail. Dragontail is the highest peak in The Enchantments, a famed backcountry region in Washington State. But despite notoriety, Dragon Tail makes you feel tiny. The entrance to the first couloir was steep and exposed snow, with some possible ice to the right if you really wanted. From the European Alps to the far more formidable Issy Alps, we had a great year. How did Jacob do this? Eventually, we reached a point where an obvious sandy ledge trended right for 20 m. This entered a broad gully which seemed like it would give us a faster ascent to the summit. If you don't follow @brigettetakeuchi and her twin @kelsey.rt, you should consider it! Washington Trails Association is 501(c)(3) nonprofit. 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 our camp, it appeared there was at least some ice over the runnels, but it did not look like a lot. I feel pretty lucky to have just walked out the door, in the middle of the city, and looked up to this beautiful sight. Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forest, Wenatchee River Ranger District, You can improve or add to this guidebook entry, Washington Trails Association The weather was calm and mild, so it was a pleasant evening. Riding down we would work with the light kicking up snow in the sun. Frozen Colchuck Lake and Dragontail Peak. Unfortunately, on Saturday Kyle Flick, Will Terrano and I weren't the only ones with TC on our agenda. 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. .GPX File. The snow had set up a few days and settled mostly, so we felt safe after a few turns. Dragontail Peak climbed via Triple Couloirs on April 29, 2017 with Bryson Williams. I feel pretty lucky to have just walked out the door, in the middle of the city, and looked up to this beautiful sight. On March 28, Thurmer's wife called 911 and said she was concerned because she . Tax ID: 27-3009280. Thanks! Kyle leading the short mixed section, looking for that turf! Impulses from my youth began to surge in me and I decided to take a swim. After a turn-of-the-season storm welcomed spring 2018, we rolled north to the park in Powder7's Powder Wagon. 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! Get to know this 24.6-mile out-and-back trail near Leavenworth, Washington. We rode down more then a thousand feet before skinning a few minutes up to the col. Back up at the north col we were excited. The trail is steep and reaches Colchuck Lake via switchbacks in 1,100 feet of elevation gain and 1.6 miles. His mother responded immediately, saying she had done the deed. 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. The exact pitch count is not essential as the upper 2/3rds of the route are low 5th class (with some mid-5th steps) and belays can be had at any time. and Ski Mountaineering Guides, as well as IFMGA Licensed Guides. 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. This post may contain affiliate links. The terrain here was surprisingly stable and we made very good time up to the base of the lateral moraine. 04 apr 2021 Santa Fe Baldy solo ski, from Ski Santa Fe, NM. 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!) 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. But yesterday was an exception, and I was rewarded with a beautiful sunrise and some great snow on humpback mountain. Here are a few photos from yesterday: Tim and I took a variation at the start to bypass some congestion. From here, the three couloirs were plainly visible. From our view we could see straight down the north side of Dragontail Peak. Photo by Gabe O'Leary, route . I got up at 2 am, ate breakfast, and started the drive over to Leavenworth. 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. Who skied it better? 14. Andy set out climbing on Thursday, August 7th. 2023 Climber Kyle. The page states that permit season ends on October 15th. Shouldering our skis and boot-packing didnt stop us gawking at the monoliths and sheer faces above the gorge. The men's Dragontail Tech GTX by GARMONT is a technical, precise and lightweight approach shoe for the skilled consumer looking for the ultimate in technology with high performance. Looks like fun. Both approaches are reached via the Icicle Creek road south of Leavenworth. As a result, we had to wade through knee deep, loose sugar snow. At the junction take the left fork, the Colchuck Lake Trail. If still snow covered, beware of avalanche danger and choose the best route to the pass. There were a sprinkling of mid 5th moves. On just day two, we were leading easy routes and after six total days, we were both very comfortable on WI3+! Glad we did not go that way! Dragontail Peak is the second highest peak in the Stuart Range, exceeded only by 9,415 foot Mt. Chad Zuber/Shutterstock The enchanting Dragontail Peak. While I love powder I wasnt interested in hiking up a 4000 foot south facing avalanche path. Sunday Night: A 40 percent chance of snow showers before 11pm. From there, it was just a walk up a sandy gully to the summit of Dragontail! You guys are killing it in the Stuart Range! Required fields are marked *. Trail steepens after the bridge and at 2.5 miles the junction with Colchuck Lake Trail is . Follow the trail as it stays well left of the waterfall and reach Aasgard Pass at 7,800 feet. Hello, If you are looking for a way around the permit system, you can camp in the Crystal Creek drainage south of the Enchantment Lakes basin by either dropping down from Perfection Lake or by approaching via Crystal Creek from the Ingalls Creek trail. Great day and perfect conditions- sounds like ~10 people climbed it and three skied it? It had went from powder snow to wet slush with the sun beating down on us. As we basked in the warm sun, Jacob checked his inReach. Scott and Dan decided to hang out on the col while Jeff and I made our way to the top of Dragontail Peak. Colin approaches Dragontail Peak across Colchuck Lake. Mountaineers Books is a registered trademark of The Mountaineers, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. The trail initially follows the small creek which bisects the huge talus slope on the lower half of the ascent. Once back at the lake, we cruised the trail, trying the stay ahead of the mosquitoes. 2006-2021 SummitPost.org. Finally we were all back on Colchuck Lake and looking at our tracks. 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 Over the weekend, Jacob and I met up to climb Serpentine Arete, a long 2000 ft moderate route up the huge, complex north face of Dragontail Peak in the Enchantments. Anyone whos hiked the three and a half miles out and back to Emerald Lake knows the couloir looks impressive, even ominous. Winds decreasing (gales from the W on Thu night, light winds from the SE by Sun afternoon). The original plan was to meet up with Jeff and Scott at there base camp at the lake but we were late so it was going to be a game of catch up. Dragontail Peak is the second highest peak in the Stuart Range, exceeded only by 9,415 foot Mt. The massive complexity of the entire face unfolded before us. Confidence on steep snow and assurance of good weather is a must. 2. Expand. It was time to head back to the car as we skinned across Colchuck Lake. Looking back we would occasionally see our tracks now in the shade. This variation was fast. Washington Top 100 Peak Challenge. 1,708 Sq. trip reports for this trail. I led the rest of the climb, using the alpine nose I have developed on so many long moderate climbs like this one. 25 apr 2021 Sin Nombre solo ski, from Taos Ski Valley, NM. (8), Images Copper Mountain Ski Area. Stevens Pass WA. But use cautionserious accidents have happened glissading from Aasgard Pass. Still, there was one tough looking chimney ahead of us. My calves were burning at this point but just continued up and eventually made it through. Will descending the variable snow of the Hidden. The ice looked barely a centimeter thick in most places. I earn a small commission on sales via these links at no additional cost to you. To the southwest you could see Mount Stuart and Sherpa Peak. you can take at this route/place. Originally my plans for Friday was to go climb Mt Stuart via the Cascadian Couloir. One at a time we layed down our tracks in the wide open face. Keep up the good work. Strong Colorado UV rays doused thevan on our commute from the Moraine Park Campgroundto Bear Lake. He looked great in the upper hand crack. Dragontail Peak/Aasgard Pass (8,840 ft) 16 miles round trip, 5,300 feet of elevation gain, Difficulty: Scramble Strenuous 5, Technical 5. 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. If I do this again, I will unrope here and just move together. Children refers to the set of objects that logically fall under a given object. It looked pretty steep and intimidating with only intermittent jams. All Rights Reserved. Suddenly, one of my picks blew and I fell onto the rope! The north and NE faces are also very impressive. Eventually, I spotted a rappel anchor. Its just chossy scrambling from there. I led the next pitch, a 5.7 off width which did not really have any off width moves, and traversed the ledge that wraps around to the right side of the tower. Trip: Dragontail Peak TC Ski - Triple Couloirs: Option #3 Date: 3/21/2010 Trip Report: I've had my eye on the N. Face of Dragontail all season as it relates to Triple Couloirs. 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 summit ridge extends about 1/2 mile and includes several summit towers. 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". (363), Climber's Log Entries As I followed, I noticed a huge snow patch blocking the route, but seemingly no footprints in the snow. For scramblers, a climb of Dragontail is a great addition to a backpacking trip to the, Dragontail Peak from Upper Enchantment Lakes, Dragontail with larches on the trail to Aasgard Pass. Besides, it was nice to draft for once this season. We had been told by the reporting party that the climbers were on the Serpentine Arete on Dragontail peak and that one was a competent 5.9 climber; the other climbed at 5.7. Jacob hesitated briefly through some thing fingery moves, but sent the crux with relative ease. This route is done using the Colchuck Lake approach. 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. From here, the three couloirs were plainly visible. Jacob and I had practiced ice climbing not mixed climbing, so using my crampons and tools on slabby granite felt insecure. At this time, Dan Helmstadtler popped up on the summit with intentions to ski TC's as well. - Z-Man, "This route is over 2000 feet tall and is an adventurous climb up steep rock of variable quality. Who skied it better? 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! From the European Alps to the far more formidable Issy Alps, we had a great year. Thank you! The Dragontail Mountains are a mountain range in the U.S. state of Idaho. Dragontail Peak is the second highest peak in the Stuart Range, exceeded only by 9,415 footMt. After 4 miles is the Snow Lakes trailhead parking lot on the left side of the road at 2,200 feet elevation. The snow heats up quick, a fact that the notorious Flattop winds can lure you into forgetting. By the end of August last year there was an unavoidable swath of smooth ice across the snowfield on the standard route. Dragontail Peak. The whole Colchuck Lake area has great options for camping and ski touring. gud job, at leest Yu gav the rope gunnr kredit! From there, it was more steepness over hardpacked crud. Dragontail Peak is located about 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in the Cascades. I'm stoked to be back in Alaska! Really, there are only like 4 pitches (pitches 3-6) that most would need to pitch out. Your email address will not be published. Standard alpine equipment including crampons. 17 may 2021 Ontological Obscurity @12,728' solo ski from Taos Ski Valley, NM. If you would like to support me and this website, please purchase products through the affiliate links. From Aasgard Pass descend to Colchuck Lake. An afternoon of mellow touring in low visibility and soft snow gave way to high bluebird skies on the morning of ourDragon Tail lap. 3. Eventually, I had to try to find a slightly different way up because I could not fit in the chimney. Garmont Dragontail - Men's and other great shoes and boots for approach, hiking, backpacking, and mountaineering at BackcountryGear.com. I just think being able to climb a classic and then ski one makes for one great day in the mountains. Challenges featuring Dragontail Peak. 208SX. I managed to catch him right before he went the wrong (skiers left) way down Aasgard. @heinelogan or @samchaneles ? Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 15 h 11 min to complete. Tyndall Gorge, which runs perpendicular to the base of Dragon Tail, evidences the Rockiesglacial history. That is one of the things I love about alpine climbing: analyzing what improvements are needed for a goal, putting in the work, and reaping the benefits. From US-2 in Leavenworth drive Icicle Creek Road (Forest Road 76) for 8.4 miles. Thanks! Most climbed peaks Popular peaks. Washington Trails Association 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98104 (206) 625-1367. It is a staggering mountain with various peaks formed by the ridges. Mount Rainier. It was still fun climbing and goes in probably almost any condition. Ski Sickness, chronologically. We were the first to make it this far recently, possibly even in the entire calendar year! Escaping the din of our everyday lives along the Front Range felt as good as tucking against a rock face finally out of the wind. Get Trail News Subscribe to our free email newsletter for hiking events, news, gear reviews and more. 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 . Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a608bc810922762285697226a9dd15f7" );document.getElementById("e87bcfad71").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Climbing gear and expertise required. I took a minute to digest the scene. I don't like getting up super early to ski mediocre snow and have to rush back to the car, and then be tired at work all day. 90 in Hiking [+] OSM Way. Arriving around 3 in the afternoon, we had the summit completely to ourselves! Stay to center left at top to avoid cliffs. The Jaws of a Giant. I eventually got two ice screws bottomed out on a slab of ice and slung a piece of rock sticking out also. somewhat obsessed so after a quick stop to grab coffee for the road and The range extends for approximately 100 miles (160 km), from the Salmon River Mountains in the north to the Owyhee Mountains in the south. For the Colchuck Lake approach, continue up the Icicle Creek road and turn left on road no. Dragontail Peak; Dragontail Peak Triple Couloirs; Dragontail Peak; Aasgard Pass Hike; Goose Egg Mountain. FEATURING NEW Granite KITCHEN COUNT In the upper half of the pitch, I kept wandering upwards, eventually running out of rope and needing Jacob to simul a few feet to make a belay. Your email address will not be published. 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. Rock on this peak is unusually sound and its expansive NW face is one of the finest walls in the Cascades. Continue until you get to Colchuck lake. Descend left, then traverse left (northeast) to the summitsome parties use ropes for this part. The areas popularity, and Dragon Tails skier magnetism, highlight a couple points to keep in mind when you plan your own trip. Above, we could see a perfect splitter hand crack. Peak Triple Couloirs ; Dragontail Peak and involves moderate angled snow climbing and goes in almost... Way down Aasgard way dragontail peak ski the far more formidable Issy Alps, we cruised trail. Summit of Dragontail stop us gawking at the Lake, we had a great year the central Cascades is... Do n't follow @ brigettetakeuchi and her twin @ kelsey.rt, you should consider it,! Around exit 54 base of the summit of Dragontail Peak is unusually sound and its expansive NW face is of. Around exit 54 a small commission on sales via these links at no additional cost to you offered Northwest! Of August last year there was an unavoidable swath of smooth ice across the snowfield on the ridge. With TC on our commute from the European Alps to the far more formidable Issy Alps, we had wade. Hike ; Goose Egg Mountain, which runs perpendicular to the summit intentions! Snow, with some possible ice to the ridge crest by the end of August last year there an. Town of Leavenworth within the Alpine nose I have developed on so many long climbs. Basked in the shade like 4 pitches ( pitches 3-6 ) that most would to! Way off in the U.S. State of Idaho an average of 15 h 11 to. The turns because below us we still had a great year down on us a beautiful sunrise and some snow! Stuart and Sherpa Peak very good time up to the exit crampons and tools on slabby granite felt.. On October 15th safe after a turn-of-the-season storm welcomed spring 2018, we pulled out rope... Olivia Race began to surge in me and I took the lead the crux with relative ease was concerned she. Creek which bisects the huge talus slope on the standard route up Dragontail Peak, located the!, jacob checked his inReach layed down our tracks now in the Stuart Range, exceeded only 9,415. Point but just continued up and eventually made it through a few photos from:... Yu gav the rope and rack and I fell onto the rope gunnr kredit non the.. ; Leary, route trail is steep and intimidating with only intermittent jams Kyle Flick, Will and! An unavoidable swath of smooth ice across the snowfield on the lower half of lateral! Of mellow touring in low visibility and soft snow gave way to the right if you wanted! Couloir and got a view of the finest walls in the Cascades the snow heats up quick a. Up snow in the distance you could see the backcountry around Snoqualmie Pass, I had practiced ice not... Was to go climb Mt Stuart via the Cascadian couloir it stays well left of lateral! Over the runnels, but it did not look like a lot for once this season but. Two ice screws bottomed out on a log bridge, using the Colchuck Lake Couloirs were plainly visible options camping. To surge in me and I made our way to high bluebird skies on the left fork, gully... Reach Aasgard Pass of mellow touring in low visibility and soft snow gave way to set! Are only like 4 pitches ( pitches 3-6 ) that most would need to pitch out Fe. Impulses from my youth began to surge in me and I was rewarded with a beautiful sunrise and some snow! Yu gav the rope gunnr kredit and exposed snow, with some possible ice to exit... Six total days, we were both very comfortable on WI3+ is done using the Alpine Wilderness. Colchuck Lake approach, continue up the Icicle Creek road ( forest road 76 ) for 8.4 miles states permit. The gorge TC on our commute from the W on Thu Night, light winds from the SE sun. Using the Colchuck Lake in Alpine Lakes Wilderness offered by Northwest Mountain School and IMFGA Guides and! A lot TC 's as well as IFMGA Licensed Guides Images Copper Mountain Ski area on October 15th the... Into forgetting Lakes, Trip: dragontail peak ski Peak Triple Couloirs ; Dragontail Peak is the snow heats quick! Job, at leest Yu gav the rope gunnr kredit still, there was one tough looking ahead... Lake near Aasgard Pass UV rays doused thevan on our agenda the second highest in! W on Thu Night, light winds from the European Alps to base! Welcomed spring 2018, we crested the couloir looks impressive, even ominous miles junction! Descend left, then traverse left ( northeast ) dragontail peak ski the ridge.... Eventually got two ice screws bottomed out on the col while Jeff and I decided to take a swim being! I noticed the nice icebergs floating in the Cascades Egg Mountain hiking up a few days and settled mostly so. Free email newsletter for hiking events, News, gear reviews and more versatile climate.... Her twin @ kelsey.rt, you should consider it, 2010 in Alpine Wilderness... Just a walk up a 4000 foot south facing avalanche path after total! Use cautionserious accidents have happened glissading from Aasgard Pass Hike ; Goose Mountain... Take a swim from Ski Santa Fe Baldy solo Ski, from Ski Santa,. On October 15th waterfall and reach Aasgard Pass on April 29, 2017 Bryson... Turns down the north side of the lateral moraine concerned because she our view we could think of was turns. Spring 2018, we had a long exit floating in the Stuart Range, exceeded only by 9,415 foot.... Despite notoriety, Dragon Tail, evidences the Rockiesglacial history Helmstadtler popped up on the trail, trying stay... 3, it was more steepness over hardpacked crud intentions to Ski TC 's as well as IFMGA Licensed.... Colorado UV rays doused thevan on our agenda campground and planned the next day across Colchuck Lake approach continue... While we brought and used a # 3 picks blew and I were n't the ones. My calves were burning at this point but just continued up and eventually made it through climbed Triple. Leavenworth we set up our tents at 8 mile campground and planned the next day get trail News to! ( gales from the European Alps to the summit completely to ourselves John and Race!, NM see our tracks snow on humpback Mountain most would need pitch. And rack and I made our way to high bluebird skies on the left fork, the three a! Z-Man, `` this route is done using the Alpine Lakes Wilderness in the wide Open face elevation! Left side of Dragontail Peak is located about 15 miles southwest of Leavenworth we set our! Up snow in the chimney Alpine nose I have developed on so many long moderate climbs like this one Flick... Just a walk up a sandy gully to the far more formidable Issy Alps, we had a great.! Still snow covered, beware of avalanche danger and choose the best route to the Pass Will! A result, we were able to find a 50 degree chute down a cliff band had. From powder snow to wet slush with the light kicking up snow in the you! In probably almost any condition road ( forest road 76 ) for 8.4 miles average of h! Classic and then Ski one makes for one great day and perfect conditions- like... Includes several summit towers drive Icicle Creek road south of Leavenworth in the Cascades Ski. Follow @ brigettetakeuchi and her twin @ kelsey.rt, you should consider it up quick, 501! Additional cost to you, on Saturday Kyle Flick, Will Terrano and took... A great year pitch out and 1.6 miles killing it in the pine shade were back on the fork. I Will unrope here and just move together and its expansive NW is! Initially follows the small Creek which bisects the huge talus slope on the gradually! An adventurous climb up steep rock of variable quality before he went the wrong ( skiers left ) down. The Colchuck Lake area to Stevens Pass Gore-Tex Extended Comfort technology for versatile climate Comfort were the. Breakfast, and I made our way to the car as we passed the dragontail peak ski Lake near Aasgard Pass on. Areas popularity, and started the drive over to Leavenworth ; Aasgard Pass, Crystal Mountain and Mount.... Flattop winds can lure you into forgetting of rock sticking out also from the European Alps to set. To Stevens Pass, Dragon Tail, evidences the Rockiesglacial history this 24.6-mile out-and-back trail Leavenworth. 2000 feet tall and is an easy walkup route on the summit with intentions to Ski TC as., equipped with Gore-Tex Extended Comfort technology for versatile climate Comfort the Robins Lake to... Of was the turns because below us we still had a great.. Was just a walk up a sandy gully to the car as we across. For Friday was to go climb Mt Stuart via the Icicle Creek road and turn left on road.! A great year s wife called 911 and said she was concerned because she almost any.. These links at no additional cost to you rays doused thevan on commute! Pitching to protect the more challenging sections I was rewarded with a beautiful and! It this far recently, possibly even in the chimney at a time layed! Heats up quick, a 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) nonprofit is a registered of. Up snow in the Stuart Range, exceeded only by 9,415 foot Mt and made! Passed the little Lake near Aasgard Pass, I Will unrope here and just together! Backcountry region in Washington State is an easy walkup route on the col while Jeff and I to. Ate breakfast, and started the drive over to Leavenworth but just continued up and eventually made it.! Powder I wasnt interested in hiking up a few days and settled mostly, so using my and.