[TR] Alpine Lakes Wilderness - Thunder Robin High Route 09/07/2019

[Kyle M]

Trip: Alpine Lakes Wilderness - Thunder Robin High Route

Trip Date: 09/07/2019

Trip Report:

I did some off trail exploration, connecting the high terrain between Thunder Mountain Lakes and the Robin Lakes. I found the terrain to be surprisingly rugged and remote feeling, despite never being more than a mile or two from the PCT. There was a lot of talus and steep heather and not too much brush for the area.

My general route: traverse south from Thunder Mountain Lakes, cross into the basin above the Deception Lakes, traverse the west side of Mac Peak, down to Talus Lake, up over the next pass, down to Lake Phoebe, and up past the Granite Mountain Potholes to Robin Lakes. Then I took the PCT back to the Surprise Creek TH, where I started. It made for about 29 miles and 10k ft gain.

For more details, see https://climberkyle.com/2019/09/07/thunder-robin-high-route/

Evening above Lower Thunder Mountain Lake.

Sunrise on Mt. Stuart.

Sunrise over Square Lake.

Sunrise over Daniel and the Deception Lakes.

Basin west of Mac Peak, lots of talus.

The ridge north of Talus Lake.

Lake Phoebe.

Granite Mountain Potholes.

Robin Lakes.

Surprise Gap.

Gear Notes:
Lightweight bivy kit, poles, La Sportiva Ultra Raptors for the gnar.

Approach Notes:
Surprise creek trail to Trap Pass to Thunder Mountain Lakes.

[JasonG]

Really love that Square Lake sunrise photo!  Cool area, so many nooks and crannies to get to in the Cascades.....