[TR] Hidden Lake Peak - NW slope 02/12/2018

JasonG · February 15, 2018

Trip: Hidden Lake Peak - West

Trip Date: 02/12/2018

Trip Report:

With @TorreyMoreno's recent TR on the HLL I don't need to say much on the conditions @Kitand I found earlier this week. I will say that the rime covering the peaks of the North Cascades is probably about as spectacular as I've seen. Pretty much the entire summit mass of Eldorado looks prime for new routes. Same with Dorado Needle, Forbidden.... everything. Wow! I hope someone was out getting after it.

Really though, I know you all are mostly looking for glamour shots of Kit to get you through this work week. You came to the right spot.

Early Morning Spire, Praying Mantis, Marble Needle, Dorado Needle (L-R):

The Draughtpony gittin'er done:

DAMN:

J'Burg:

Look at the ski potential of Mutchler!

And Snowking!

The Hidden Lake Lookout is plastered down there. And just a reminder that the lookout isn't on the true summit:

Formidable, paging @skyclimb:

Torment and Forbidden:

What's App or it didn't happen:

Dakobed:

Weeeellllllllll, shoot. I thought I was going to work and look where I ended up?

Better than expected on the way down:

@Kit always packs his American flags:

Gear Notes:
Skis (+ski crampons), American flags, Hunter.

Approach Notes:
We parked the car at the USFS "washout", about 2.5 miles from the Cascade River Road, elevation 2500'. A 4X4 HC could have made it probably almost a mile farther before deep snow would force a stop. About 4 hours to the true summit, which is higher than the lookout. A bit over an hour down to the car. Much time and a few drams of whiskey on the summit.