The north ridge is so much more pleasant than the west face. I think the best way to do it is to come in from East Fork of the Bear, to Baker Lake and then along the north ridge.
I absolutely agree. The west face was not fun at all. I thought about doing it from Baker Lake but the mileage looked like it was a lot more than doing from Christmas Meadows.
I ran out of water here in the east twice, and on the same trail: The Black Mountain Crest Trail. Both times I paid for it with leg cramps that froze me in place and slowed me to a crawl. The second time it happened I had brought extra water because of what happened the first time. But it still wasn't enough. Since that day, I've always made sure to carry more water than I think I'll need.
splattski - Jul 2, 2013 7:34 am - Voted 10/10
Nice!Sign me up!
Scott - Jul 2, 2013 11:03 am - Hasn't voted
I know the feelingI've been eaten alive on that mountain too.
The north ridge is so much more pleasant than the west face. I think the best way to do it is to come in from East Fork of the Bear, to Baker Lake and then along the north ridge.
mtybumpo - Jul 2, 2013 4:57 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: I know the feelingI absolutely agree. The west face was not fun at all. I thought about doing it from Baker Lake but the mileage looked like it was a lot more than doing from Christmas Meadows.
Scott - Jul 2, 2013 8:08 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: I know the feelingI thought about doing it from Baker Lake but the mileage looked like it was a lot more than doing from Christmas Meadows.
It might be, but the going is much faster. It actually took us less time Baker Lake to the summit than Stillwater Fork to the summit.
mfox79 - Jul 4, 2013 3:46 pm - Hasn't voted
Congrats!I'm kind of glad I stayed in Idaho for the weekend. I think driving back out on Saturday night might have killed me. nice write up.
mfox79 - Jul 4, 2013 3:46 pm - Hasn't voted
Congrats!I'm kind of glad I stayed in Idaho for the weekend. I think driving back out on Saturday night might have killed me. nice write up.
ywardhorner - Jul 4, 2013 7:02 pm - Voted 10/10
YikesQuite a sufferfest. I probably would have chickened out when I realized I didn't have the DEET.
BobSmith - Jul 6, 2013 9:10 pm - Voted 10/10
Good report!I ran out of water here in the east twice, and on the same trail: The Black Mountain Crest Trail. Both times I paid for it with leg cramps that froze me in place and slowed me to a crawl. The second time it happened I had brought extra water because of what happened the first time. But it still wasn't enough. Since that day, I've always made sure to carry more water than I think I'll need.