Walker Brook Ravine

Approach

Park at Lafayette Place and hike in to the Bridal Path/Falling Waters cuttoff. Put on your sandals or watershoes and start walking up-stream in the Walker Brook.

Route Description

The approach into the ravine is via the Walker Brook. A small herd path runs along the left side of the brook for a good ways, but appears to become overgrown in the warmer months. Best bet is to just walk in the river (this is OK during the summer, but COLD).

Follow Walker Brook up-stream into the ravine. When a small creek comes into Walker Brook on the right, continue straight on Walker Brook. Sections of the river walk may be challenging, especially during high waters. The rocks are very slippery and some of the small waterfalls require one to climb up next to them or bushwhack up and around in the trees.

Routefinding may become a slight problem once you break out into the open and hit the steep slide. This is also where the climbing goes from class 1 or 2 to class 3 (felt like 4 in parts). The slide is wet and slippery and sections are very exposed. A fall could be deadly. Also note that some of the rock is shit and the holds break. Test the holds before you put your weight on them. Aim straight, heading up to the ridge just slightly south of Lafayettes summit. I worked my way up on the left side of the slide but got screwed hard when I found myself butt up against thick spruce growth. I ended up having to bushwhack about 30 yards through thick spruce and dead branches (BW3, maybe BW4). My buddy worked his way up on the right side of the slide until he came up to a vertical wall (approx 10-15 ft high). He then traversed left following the wall and then turned up again. I met him at this spot after bushwhacking. It was then a 5 minute walk/climb up to the ridge and the trail just below Lafayettes summit.

As for a winter ascent of this route, I believe it is doable, but will require winter gear (crampons, axe, etc...) and maybe even some protection. The approach up the creek will be much different as you try to stay out of the freezing water. This route could become a full bushwhack to reach the slide in the winter.

Essential Gear

We did the whole thing in sandals but I recommend having climbing shoes. When I go back to do a second ascent I will have my climbing shoes with me. Lots of water. Depending on where the creek goes dry you might not have a spot to fill up later on the trek. Fill up early on, or just carry a good amount to being with.

Winter - Crampons, ice axe, ice equipment?, protection?

Miscellaneous Info

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