[TR] Slippery Slab Tower - West Face 9/22/2009

[Dallas kloke]

Trip: Slippery Slab Tower - West Face

 

Date: 9/22/2009

 

Trip Report:

Jason Cancro and I wanted to climb the West Face route of 1971.

Upon reaching the base of the face, it was difficult to find the start. We spotted a faded blue sling and climbed to that on the first lead.(someone rapped from a nut) From there it didn't look to inviting as cracks were filled with moss/vegetation. A 75 foot traverse was made right on a narrow ledge system with one short section of 5.8. (good pro/horns)

A belay was made on the southwest arete. From there, two pitches reached the top. The West Face is suppose to be 3 pitches, all 5.7 and on good rock and good pro. We found lots of blocks and flakes, and some cracks with moss and vegetation.

 

Gear Notes:

Pro up to 2.5 inches

 

Approach Notes:

We hiked in via Trail 1061 to Hope Lake, then Trail 2000 to Trap Pass. It's longer(about 12 miles round trip) but one starts at a higher elevation and it is more scenic.

[Pilchuck71]

I was just up in that area about a month ago.

Camped at Lower Thunder Lake.

We came in via the Trap Lake and then up to the Pass.

We had no technical gear but managed to scramble some of the lesser spires along the ridge.

Great area and alot of fun features and nice rock.

I free soloed a route about 75' in height off the trail to climbers right as you work toward Slippery Slab from the pass. Very fun route with a walk off the side. I would say it was easy 5.6 or 5.7.

I would like to head back out that way with a small rack and spend the weekend messing around along that ridge.

Any pictures?

Tyson

[LostCamKenny]

Trail 2000, meaning the PCT? Is that the same Slippery Slab Tower?

[Pilchuck71]

Kenny -

I beleive the answer is yes.