[TR] Mt. Jefferson- Pamelia Lake Trail to Milk Creek 5/28/2006

[JoeMack]

Climb: Mt. Jefferson-Pamelia Lake Trail to Milk Creek

 

Date of Climb: 5/28/2006

 

Trip Report:

I got a relatively late start (8:00am) from the Pamelia Trailhead. I thought that the weather would improve during the day, so the rain didn't bother me. The trail is through some beautiful old growth trees and next to the Pamelia Creek. Real nice. I wore sneakers since there was no snow in sight.

 

At Pamelia Lake, I saw that the snow was falling well above the Lake elevation. Kept hiking up to the Pacific Crest Trail. My plan was to ascend up the Milk Creek, so I was happy to see that the snow started just above where the PCT crosses the Creek:

 

 

It was snowing lightly as I booted up the Creek. Could this be the snow from the huge avalanche last year? The new snow was about 2-3 inches deep. The climbing was easy but the visibility wasn't improving very much as I climbed. The newly fallen snow was getting deeper and it was looking like winter:

 

 

At the place where the creek splits, I took a break and put the skins on since the postholing was getting a bit much; the snow was considerably deeper. While I was having a bite to eat, I heard a train or jet fighter in the Milk Creek canyon below me. I realized it was either an avalanche or rock fall, so I made a mental note to not linger in the canyon during the descent.

 

I kept dawdling but the copulating cloud/fog wasn't lifting; the visibility was getting worse and the snow and wind started picking up in intensity. I was able to keep climbing to a ridge that had a few exposed rocks that provided perspective. I got to about 7,400 ft before I gave up and pulled the skins.

 

Skiing in a white out isn't that great since I wasn't sure where there might be some drop offs or moats. I ski cut the slope but wasn't able to get any slabs going thankfully. The snow at this elevation was pretty good, though: about 10 inches deep of new that was reasonably light. I got a few chest shots.

 

The run down the canyon was a fun rolly coaster ride. I saw where the avalanche I heard earlier had come down one of the canyon walls. It actually was smaller than I thought it would be. I changed to shoes at the intersection with the PCT and hiked back down the way I had come. It was raining the whole way. I saw a Dad and his two sons heading up the trail: the only people I saw all day.

 

Dry clothes and a cold beer were never more appreciated. I'll definitley be back since it was only about an hour and a half from my house to the trailhead.

 

 

 

Gear Notes:

skis, skins

[fettster]

Have you been to Mt Jefferson a lot in the winter/spring, and if so, via what roads? Headed up there again soon?

[JoeMack]

This was my first time up there. Took the Pamelia Road turn off from Highway 22 (near mile marker 62). The road is a one lane, paved road until about 1/2 mile before the trailhead when it becomes gravel.

 

I'm not sure about future plans. I'd definitley like to get up there during some nice weather.