NE Ridge Black Peak

Overview

                              
                   
 


This is a relatively popular route on a beautiful peak, so don’t be surprised if you have company.

A strong fast party can do the route in one day from Rainy Pass, but most groups opt to camp at Wing Lake.

Descent is via the South Ridge.

Distance: From Rainy Pass: about 11 miles.   From Wing Lake: about 2 miles.

Elevation: From Rainy Pass: about 5,000 feet.   From Wing Lake: about 2,050 feet.

Approach

Starting at Rainy Pass, follow the Lake Ann side of the Lake Ann/Rainy Lake loop trail. When almost at the top of the ridge (Heather Pass on the map), the main trail swings left and a line of rocks are meant to keep hikers on the main trail. This is where the trail to Wing Lake leaves. Drop about 200 feet on a long traverse above Lewis Lake (there is a well defined trail), crossing 2 prominent rock slides. Bypass the lake on the south and continue towards the prominent moraine . Stay north below the moraine and hike through a series of larch meadows to Wing Lake. There are good camping spots near the lake.

Route Description

From Wing Lake ascend to the obvious col between the NE Ridge and Point 8995. 

Above the col, the route is a  straight forward ridge climb.  Low on the ridge the rock is not the best, but it gets better the higher you go.  Most of the climbing is 3rd and 4th class with the low 5th class crux (consensus is about 5.2) being about half way to the summit. 

Essential Gear

Rope and a small rack.

Ice axe and crampons depending on the time of year, snow cover, and your comfort level on moderately steep snow. 

Note that a snowfield can persist below the col into September.  (see title photo)

External Links

A quick Net search for this route will yield numerous trip reports, many of which have excellent photos showing differing conditions.

Here a just a couple:

At Cascade Climbers

mvs Trip Report


Sergio Verdina's Trip Report

Images

View NE Ridge Black Peak Image Gallery - 27 Images