[TR] South Spectacle Butte - SW Ridge 10/21/2018

[KaskadskyjKozak]

Trip: South Spectacle Butte - SW Ridge

Trip Date: 10/21/2018

Trip Report:

I thought my trip to the Pasayten last month would be my final hurrah in 2018, but this Indian summer brought a welcome extension to the season.  I chose a two-day jaunt into the Glacier Peak Wilderness with my son and dog for some offtrail/nontechnical alpine goodness.

We drove up to Phelps TH Saturday morning arriving at 9.  It was 28 degrees out but clear.  The lot was partially full already - nowhere near how it is in the height of summer though.  We hiked the Carne Mountain trail (fairly crowded) then began the High Traverse over to Ice Lakes.

We were treated to much larch goodness and spectacular views on this bluebird day.

View N from the summit of Carne Mountain.  The high traverse to Maude is in left of the frame.

Typical views on the traverse:

The final slopes to Maude:

Upper Ice Lake and the Spectacle Buttes:

Lower Ice Lake:

Approaching S Spectacle Butte

A gendarme on the SW ridge of S Spectacle.  Lots of class 3 and interesting route-finding on this route.  I found the choss factor to be suprisingly low and the scrambling overall was quite enjoyable.

My son topping out on the summit

Views W from the summit.  Maude and Ice lakes are center of frame:

 

Gear Notes:
Helmet

Approach Notes:
Neglible snow/ice patches. Easily travelled or avoided.

[JasonG]

This trip is pretty high on my list now for a few years....thanks for the reminder!  I was splitting wood this past weekend unfortunately, gazing at the mountains.

[KaskadskyjKozak]

It's a fun one!  Hope you get it in a year or three

BRW - loved your TR for Chaval.  I need to get back that way myself

[Alisse]

Love that area! A great weekend for a scramble :-) I'll have to look this one up.