Snow Pass Route

Approach

RT-9 miles
Vertical Gain-4,320-ft

Starting at the Deluge Lake TH, follow the obvious trail as it begins its relentless ascent up into the Deluge Lake Drainage. The first two miles will do 2350-ft of vertical gain! After two miles the trail will begin to moderate. Continue on this single-track trail as it makes its way to Deluge Lake. The last 1.63 miles to the lake will ascend only 770-ft.

From Deluge Lake the triangular form of Snow Peak is obvious off to the southeast. Snow Pass is located just to the north of Snow Peak.

Route Description

From Deluge Lake head towards Snow Pass. You will first cross rolling tundra before getting onto snow or talus. There is a use trail that may be found a few hundred feet up the losse slope. Follow this trail as it countours up the slope. It passes just to the left of a prominent little gendarme a few hundred feet below Snow Pass. Before the pass the slope becomes predominently scree; it would be best to locate the trail before this point. Snow Pass is an idylic grassy balcony balanced between the world of Deluge Lake and the more mysterious Snow Lake.

From Snow Pass the rest of the route is obvious. It follows a somewhat sineous path straight up the ridge. The first gendarm encountered offers the route's most difficult move which is mere little chimney scramble. Beyond the exposure is limited and the scrambling fun. The final summit headwall is bypassed by jogging left then going up the steep final slope. The summit is small with spectacular views.

Return by the ascent route.

Essential Gear

An Ice Ax would be a good idea in May or June. Other then that good boots is all thats needed.

Miscellaneous Info

If you have information about this route that doesn't pertain to any of the other sections, please add it here.