krazy_1 Posted July 22, 2002 Share Posted July 22, 2002 Contemplating Deception soon, has anybody been up there lately? if so what's the scoop? krazy 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Goat_Boy Posted July 26, 2002 Share Posted July 26, 2002 Not lately, but it's a fun scramble. The standard route out of Royal Basin, contrary to the guidebook (I think), is a rising traverse over scree and class 4 (low) to the low notch in the ridge connecting with the needles. You have several options, so just follow the path of least resistance. From the ridge, drop 100 feet onto snow and ascend the short, steep (40 degrees)slope to the shoulder between a small gendarme and the summit. Short walk up from there. Big, broad summit area with great views of Mystery, Gunsight Pass, etc. If you're in the area, a hike up to Surprise Basin puts you into really interesting country among the good rock routes and high spires. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norman_Clyde Posted July 26, 2002 Share Posted July 26, 2002 I first went up there in 1998, figuring based on the guidebook that a one day solo was not too much to expect. I found that class 2 was a bit of an understatement for the E. side of Deception: I tried a more direct ascent and had to back off when the small mushy snowfields reached about a 55 degree slope. Rock and dirt is very loose, also: wear a helmet. I went up in late July, but the snow was I think much less that year. It's a beautiful setting: the climbs may be somewhat shorter, less steep, and looser in general than the Cascades, but I still think that the experience of climbing in the Olympics is underrated. Have fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krazy_1 Posted July 26, 2002 Author Share Posted July 26, 2002 Sweet! thanks - I'll let you know how it goes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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