Mt. Washington from Big Lake |
We stayed on the south side of the lake and made our way through the freshly burnt areas until we reached the PCT. Once on the PCT we made our way to the cairn indicating the climbers trail. We headed east up the climber's trail which was pretty well maintained. There was only a few spots where downed trees led to new paths. Once we reached the North Ridge some of our team stashed their trekking poles. We refueled and made our way up the ridge.
Right around this time I had come to learn that the BUTT of my pants was completely ripped. Luckily the mesh inner lining and my boxers prevented permanent blinding of my fellow climbers. This was unfortunate but not enough to stop me from wanting to summit. :)
Looking at the Summit Block on Mt. Washington |
Three Finger Jack and Mt. Jefferson from Mt. Washington |
Mike protected 3 pitches to the top, which I am sure was conservative, but it was some nice insurance. I was more worried about kicking rocks down on my fellow climbers then I was about falling. Shortly there after we reached the summit. We noticed a fire East of Mt. Hood that had grown quite massive by the time we reached the summit. It started creating it's own thunderhead.
Chemeketan Summit Team |
Mason and Mike setting up a rappel |
Once we made it safely back to the notch we slogged all the way back to the trailhead. After wading through the dusty PCT and being sun-cooked the people on Big Lake taunted us by playing in the water with their boats. I really wanted to just jump in the water but we were short on time and it was getting late.
This was my first alpine rock climb and I can certainly say it won't be my last.
Final Stats:
Summit: Yes
Elevation Gain: 3100'
Round Trip Distance: 11+ miles
Round Trip Time: 12 hours