[TR] Cashmere - West Ridge 07/07/2018

[JuanBelay]

Trip: Cashmere - West Ridge

Trip Date: 07/07/2018

Trip Report:

Quick trip up Cashmere's West ridge on 7/7/18. Nice scramble with great views of the Wenatchee Mountains

Start at the 8 mile trailhead. At about 2.2 miles, turn uphill towards Lake Caroline - junction is marked with a sign. Trail switches back through a burn loaded with wildflowers. At 5 miles you reach Lake Caroline. Continue around the right side of the Lake and then follow the trail up towards Windy Pass. 

At 6700 feet leave the trail and angle up and to climbers right toward the West Ridge. The spot to leave the trail is recognized by a large yellow boulder directly above. Angle across meadows to the 8000 foot level on the ridge to climber's right of the West Summit. Alternatively you can go to Windy Pass, but you'll save yourself about a mile of walking if you angle off.

Run along the ridge to the prominent saddle at 8000 feet. You'll see a trail going up the ridge from the saddle if the ground is snow-free. Ascend to 8200 and then traverse left around the North side of the peak. Continue traversing to a gully (see my picture below of the gully to identify it - there are several that go up the North side), and then ascend the gully trending left to a notch at the true summit.

Times were

• 4.25 hours to summit and 3 hours to return
• 2 hours to Lake Caroline
• 2.25 hours from Lake Caroline to summit.
• 17 miles round trip

This is the gully you can ascend to avoid harder climbing on the ridge. Note the position of the rock tower above, it will help you identify the spot to go up. 

 

Gear Notes:
Helmet for the scramble. Brought crampons and ice axe but they were not needed.

Approach Notes:
Approach is in great shape. Clear trail over easy terrain