Colchuck Peak - Colchuck Col

Route Info, Logistics

April 7-8, 2007 my partner and I attempted Colchcuck Peak int eh Washington Cascades via Stuart Lake Trailhead. The road to the TH was gated 4 miles short on account of a bad mudslide and 2 deadfalls. It will be a couple months until this road open all the way to TH. Snow covered road 1 mile short of TH and was 2-3 deep on entire trail. Trail was easy to follow as a result of many other tracks.

The lake was completely frozen, but we only felt comfortable walking on its edges. We set our alarm for 5 AM rise Sunday morning but snoozed about 30 min extra - it was so cold and the sleeping bag felt so good. We heard other clibers walking by the tent, which motivated us to eventually get our butts in gear. The passersby were climbers who left the road at 2:30 AM and were on their way to attempt Triple Couloir on Dragontail.

We finally left camp at 6:30 and were to the top of the Col by 8:50. Here's the route:



The snow was pretty hard and allowed use of crampons. We sumitted about 10 AM and after 1000s of feet of effortless glissading, we arrived at camp at 11 AM.

Here is the view from the back (south) side of moutain after you crest the Col.



The snow was very sugary by about 10 Am and would have been hell to ascend at that time.

Overall it was an excellent outing in the Cascades. I hope those who were headed up TC and NBC were successful!

Images

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