[TR] Lassen Peak - Southeast Ridge 2/14/2015

[nutsandbolts]

Trip: Lassen Peak - Southeast Ridge

 

Date: 2/14/2015

 

Trip Report:

A more detailed report and more photos are at http://mountainrefugees.tumblr.com

 

We parked at the southern entrance station and skied/snowshoed just under 6 miles (we cut off over a mile of the regular road with a few steep shortcuts) and pitched our tents at the Lassen Peak Trailhead as the sun was setting. We got started around 5am the next morning and pushed an additional 1.5 miles to the summit.

 

 

 

The terrain was never that steep (40 degrees max), but with hard snow and some big run-outs, crampons and an axe were great. Later in the day, its possible to skin all the way up to the summit although ski crampons would probably be very helpful. We summited just after 7am, and arrived back at camp around 8:30am. Taking two days to climb this mountain under these conditions was super fun and pretty casual. It seems very possible to do this climb in one day with an alpine start, especially on skis because the 6 miles on the road out is all downhill.

 

 

Looking north towards Shasta.

 

Gear Notes:

An axe and 'pons are the main ingredients. Add snowshoes or skins if the recipe calls for flotation. Add skis/splitboard for extra fun spice on top.

 

Approach Notes:

When 89 is closed for the winter, park at the Southern Entrance station and follow the road until Helen Lake and the TH for Lassen Peak trail. Follow the trail uphill until reaching the SE ridge.

Edited February 23, 2015 by nutsandbolts

[YakCLimber78]

I had a chance to climb (hike) Lassen a few years back. A wonderful experience on a wonderful little peak with wonderful views. Great trip, guys!

[nutsandbolts]

Yeah, it's a cool area. A neat summit crater and some fantastic backcountry skiing.