[TR] Mt Pugh - Standard 11/1/2011

[mountainsloth]

Trip: Mt Pugh - Standard

 

Date: 11/1/2011

 

Trip Report:

I had a spectacular solo day up Mt Pugh last Tuesday. Mt. Pugh is a pretty straight forward climb for a 7,000+ foot peak.

 

The weather was perfect and the peak's position offered stunning views. This peak is not to be missed for those wanting a quick day out with tremendous 360 views.

 

The scenery was made colorful with lingering Fall colors and snow-capped peaks.

 

Reflection of Pugh from Lake Metan

 

The transition to snowline made the endless switchbacks lovely.

 

 

 

 

 

The clouds hung low in the valleys adding to the views.

Breaking above tree line.

 

The trail switchbacks up the obvious notch (Stujack Pass)

 

 

 

 

Sperry peak looks like it has some Winter potential.

 

I reached the pass and was greeted with more incredible views.

White Chuck and Baker

 

The sub peak opposite Pugh

 

NE face.

 

From the pass route finding became more than following a trail due to increasing snow. From Stujack pass I stayed on or near the ridge then traversed the South face weaving through cliff bands and skirting gendarmes.

The deep snow made the exposure a bit more real.

 

The route to the summit seemed improbable, but every time I thought I was going to be cliffed out, the path presented itself.

 

Looking back at the ridge

I wallowed through knee deep powder just below the summit. Wish I had wore my boots and gaiters and not a pair of trail running shoes.

 

 

Glacier peak welcomed me as I hit the summit.

The 360 views were a joy.

 

Shuksan

 

Pugh, White Chuck, Baker

 

Whitehorse

Three Fingers

Glacier Peak

Looking back on the descent

 

 

 

Icy exposure is always more intimidating with only running shoes and a trekking pole.

 

Back at the pass this little insect greeted me. "Are you lost?"

 

Snow starts around 4000ft with lots of it by 5000.

 

Gear Notes:

Boots and an ice axe would have been nice.

 

Approach Notes:

Trail is in great shape, as is the road but it will soon close for the season.

Edited November 10, 2011 by mountainsloth

[Tyson.g]

Nice photos and TR.

[Josh Lewis]

:tup: Thanks for the report! Looks nice right now!

[dorianlee]

Beautiful.. Love the frosty snowline photos. Thanks!

[JasonG]

Great TR and photos! A few corrections:

 

Garibaldi= Shuksan

 

Three Fingered Jack= Three Fingers

 

 

[mountainsloth]

I knew it couldn't be Garibaldi, too close. I guess I have never seen Shuksan from that angle.

Guess I mixed up Seven Finger Jack with Three Fingers. oops.

Thanks Jason.

[Lisa_D]

Thanks for the pictures! I haven't been able to get to the mountains for awhile.. miss it a lot.

[bwwakaranai]

Love the pics, I can almost feel the frost nip on the nose.

[crazedmaniac]

sweet!

me and some of my 'ice climbing' friends have spent some winter days climbing on sperry. Almost died there with ken s. whenit warmed up very fast, and we had to make a serious retreat. We were about a 1,000ft off the deck, when the steep ice turned into water falls, and there was nothing to attach to. The picks would make a hole, that the water would poor out of, and cause more melting. We didnt want to be responsible for pulling the other off, if we were to fall, so we decided to go solo... will never forget that helpless feeling of impeding death (that seemed so sure to be coming, only a matter of time). ... as im sure you will not forget this beautiful day you had. thanks for sharing !