[TR] Reynolds Peak- South Ridge 7/5/2005

[Blake]

Climb: Reynolds Peak-South Ridge

 

Date of Climb: 7/5/2005

 

Trip Report:

Yesterday morning I left Lake Chelan, hiking up the ridge that separates Fourmile and Flick Creeks.

 

 

After an Alpine camp last night, I made my way via the Summit Trail and Boulder Creek Trail to Reynolds Camp, with the summit of Reynolds Peak (8,512') towering 3,000+ feet above.

 

By following the beautiful stream that drains the valley to the south of Reynolds, I was able to climb 2,000 feet up to a small pass separating the Stehekin and Twisp River drainages. From there, the idea was to contour north, gaining elevation and avoiding cliff bands and steep snow. The pass where I crossed over is between the words "Chelan" and "CO" Right Here. The south ridge is fairly loose on the side I climbed, but does make a very direct route to the top. (foreground) .

 

After about a mile of scrambling, the summit pyramid was reached. The rock varied from extremely loose to quite good Washington Pass style "Oatmeal GRanite." The peak itself is topographically quite complex, and a variety of routes of varying dfficulty have been done, but to summit from this direction just requires a bit of snow travel and 4th class scrambling near the top.

 

Views seemed endless, although it wasn't quite clear enough to see Rainier, but Stuart (or something in the vicinity) was visible. Many familiar register names, such as Paul Klenke, Mike Torok, Fay Pullen, Peggy Goldman, and a few locals.

 

Summit views:

Cascade Pass Region -

 

 

 

To the West:

 

 

 

 

I left the summit a bit after 3pm, and it took an hour to make it to the pass and cross back into the Stehekin drainage. From there it was a fun descent, interpsersed with a bit of rubbernecking and alpine lounging in the meadows. The descent and trail back to the road went quickly, which was good because things were looking stormy as I finished out the last few miles. This was a nice trip for a time when I couldn't find a partner, I didn't see another human the whole time.

 

Gear Notes:

Crampons and and axe will stay in the pack at this point, as the snow can be avoided. A helmet might be wise.