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Posted

I have never been up in the goat rocks so I thought that would be a fun Sunday trip. Been looking in Beckey but I can't find the info I am looking for.

 

What route is the easiest way to the summit of Mt Curtis Gilbert considering I have no ropes and a dog.

 

Is there another summit in the area that would be better considering my limitations (no rope and a dog)?

 

What road should I take from Portland and how long of a drive is it? 4wd or 2wd?

 

Any other things I should know about the area?

 

Thanks

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Posted

I think Old Snowy, via the PCT, is the easiest climb in the area. The trail basically takes you to the summit. Short Class 2 scramble with great views of Adams and Rainier.

Curtis Gilbert is a better climb, though. I climbed Curtis Gilbert via Conrad Meadows in early July of last year. From what I have read, this is the easiest route to the summit. Hike about 7 miles into Surprise Lake, then head up toward Klickton Divide on the trail. I camped at a site on the left side of the trail, about a mile from the lake. I think many camp at Warm Lake, which is closer to the mountain.

Either way, you just have to find a way to gain Klickton Divide. I headed straight up from my campsite, after failing to find the route to Warm Lake, and got on the divide.

Then you just follow the divide, with awesome views of Mt. Adams, straight to Curtis Gilbert. You can see the peak most of the way. The ridge is moderate and not too hard, but requires some scrambling. There is a steep dropoff to your right as you head up. Follow a sort of climbers path behind the summit block and then find the route up. The rock is loose, but Class 3 and not too exposed. I don't think you would want to take a dog up to the summit. It is very small and exposed.

Beautiful views, and a fun climb. I didn't see a soul when I was up there.

 

Here's directions to trailhead from summitpost.org:

 

To get to Conrad Meadows, drive US-12 east from White Pass 19 miles to just short of Hause Creek Campground. Turn right on South Fork Tieton Road No.12 (check road numbers haven't change). This road heads southwestward. At 4.5 miles turn left on road No.10 and stay with it through all junctions. At 18 miles the road is gated. This is the edge of private property. Park here (elevation 3900 ft). A map of the Goat rocks wilderness is needed from here on because there are many spur trails, game trails, and livestock trails in the area (it is cattle grazing area so watch out for cowpies).

Posted

Consider just doing Old Snowy and tacking on Ives if you're doing well on time. Head in via Snowgrass flats. See Old Snowy in Cascade Select Vol. I and many other places. Dog can do the Old Snowy route from PCT. Dog can get close to the summit of Ives, but it's blocky and steep off the back side.

 

Did Curtis Gilbert from Cispus Basin last year. That was great. Leave the dog at home for that trip or he'll be chasing goats. Not cool.

Posted

Climbed Curtis Gilbert with my then-14 year old son a couple years ago from Cispus. Bypass camp is a beautiful campsite and an easy afternoon 1 1/2 hour hike from the car.

 

The old trail from Cispus Pass to Klickton divide has been intentionally obliterated as it lies in the Yakima Reservation. Old remnants seem to appear out of nowhere. Some 3rd class scrambling for 1000 vertical feet is required to get up onto the divide, but from there it is an easy hike up the sand covered divide to the summit rocks. 3rd or easy 4th up the final 200 feet. The distance covered on this day - out and back - is substantial. I agree with the person here who said it is probably easier from Surprise/Warm Lake.

Posted

For a day trip you may also want to consider Bear Creek Mtn ... it is only 4 miles from the Pinegrass Ridge trailhead (assuming you can drive to the end of the road, don't take a low-rider) and IMO offer the best panorama of the entire group. The first 3 miles go real fast. The last mile is were you gain your elevation. Downside being a longer drive.

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