Jump to content

[TR] Unicorn Peak - Standard 12/22/2011


JasonG

Recommended Posts

Trip: Unicorn Peak - Standard

 

Date: 12/22/2011

 

Trip Report:

FWA of the 2011-12 winter!! The long spell of unusual December weather continued through the first full day of winter this year, and a Smoot/Nelson ticking party was organized for an assault on Unicorn peak (via the standard route). I had last climbed it in the summer more than a decade ago, so it was pretty much like a new mountain for me. WBK and NTM came along for the fun (or rumors of summit babes?), and made sure that things never veered towards the serious. Well, maybe until the last couple of miles slogging on the road back to the car, whereupon WBK got chewed out for pissing on a snowbank. Pretty funny actually ("Could you at least scrape the yellow snow away?"), considering Mr. Anal wasn't even a ranger. There is a first time for everything, I guess.

 

 

Slogging in on the Reflection Lakes Road:

MG_6672.jpg

 

Unicorn Peak, the objective for the day:

MG_6678.jpg

 

Climbing up to the col south of the peak:

MG_6699.jpg

 

NTM at the south col:

MG_6701.jpg

 

WBK and NTM pause to admire the view and fuel up:

MG_6704.jpg

 

Approaching the summit block. We climbed right up the middle:

MG_6717.jpg

 

WBK on lead:

MG_6725.jpg

 

Steep and fun!:

MG_6734.jpg

 

Summit! Tick, tick:

MG_6740.jpg

 

NTM on rappel:

MG_6751.jpg

 

Did I mention that you have fantastic views of Rainier all day?:

MG_6772.jpg

 

On the deproach, WBK with Mt. Adams behind:

MG_6763.jpg

 

Interesting lenticulars kept us company on the hike back:

MG_6791.jpg

 

Gear Notes:

Axe, crampons, half rope, small rack. The rock was pretty clear of snow and ice, so other winter ascents may find it more challenging. For us, it felt like a short bit of mid-fifth.

 

Approach Notes:

For once, snowshoes were the ticket. Ski conditions were absolutely terrible. Follow the summer route from the reflection lakes road, parking at Narada Falls.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Replies 14
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.




×
×
  • Create New...