By 3:00pm (5.4 hours + 3300 feet from camp), we were all sitting on the lofty summit. In order to safely scramble up the final 35 feet of wet and snow-covered Class 3+ rock, we used our panic rope as a handline. Traversing Across South Face Of Black Peak Climbing Toward Black Peak Summit Block We traversed across the south face on a broad, snowy ledge, then booted up a short slot that deposited us at the base of the summit block. Climbing Southwest Chute On Black Peak Eileen & Brooke High On Black Peak This led to a high shoulder with even more views. We rounded a corner to the southwestern side of the mountain and scrambled up a rocky chute. Mt Goode & Mt Buckner From Black Peak Ridge Corteo Peak From Black Peak Ridge Even old-timers like Eileen and me were awestruck. Brooke had never really seen the North Cascades before, so she was understandably astounded. Upon reaching the top of the couloir, we were presented with a fabulous view of rugged, snow-dusted mountains in all directions. Eileen Ascending Southeast Couloir On Black Peak Brooke Ascending Southeast Couloir On Black Peak
This couloir was filled with snow but the margins were mostly bare. With warm sun beating down, Brooke couldn’t resist the urge to wade in.Ĭutthroat Peak From Lewis Lake Black Peak From Wing Lake Corteo Peak Above Wing LakeĬontinuing past Wing Lake, we ascended a broad couloir on Black Peak’s southeastern flank. The glassy water surface, golden larch trees, and fresh snow here created a beautiful image. We followed a well-beaten path around Lewis Lake and up to Wing Lake (1.4 hours + 1200 feet from camp). Camp At Lewis Lake Black Peak From Lewis Lake It looked like a stellar day for climbing, but the fresh snow covering Black Peak gave me doubts about our chances of success. We awoke to a strikingly blue and cloudless sky. There was only one other party camped near the lake. We arrived at Lewis Lake in late afternoon and made camp on a woodsy knoll overlooking the opaque water. Corteo Peak & Black Peak From Maple Pass Cutthroat Peak & Lake Ann From Maple PassĪfter crossing over Maple Pass, we descended to Heather Pass, then turned off on a side trail heading toward Lewis and Wing Lakes.
Maple pass loop full#
The autumn foliage and larch trees appeared to be shy of full color, but the whole scene was enhanced by a skiff of fresh snow on all the surrounding peaks. Several hundred day-hikers were coming down the opposite direction, which somewhat hindered steady progress. We headed out on the Maple Pass Loop Trail, following a clockwise route up Rainy-Ann Ridge to Maple Pass. I knew this was a popular hiking destination, but the number of cars here really seemed absurd! Yet, I had no right to complain we were certainly a part of the problem. Although cars were spilling out of the lot and lined up on both sides of Highway 20, we were fortunate to nab a spot close to the trailhead. We arrived at the Heather Pass / Lake Ann / Rainy Lake parking lot on a cloudy Sunday morning. It proved to be a winning combination.ĭay 1 – Trailhead to Maple Pass to Lewis Lake: When we saw a bluebird forecast immediately following the first snowfall of the season, Eileen, Brooke, and I took the opportunity to combine a hike of the uber-popular Maple Pass Loop with a climb of equally popular Black Peak. Summit: Black Peak (ascent & descent via Southeast Couloir-Southwest Chute-South Ledges-East Slot)Īpproximate Stats: 13 miles traveled 6500 feet gained & lost.īlack Peak via South Side + Corteo Peak via Southwest Ridge – August 7, 2017īlack Peak via Southeast Couloir-Southwest Ridge – October 2, 1994 Sidetrip: Wing Lake (trail hike & off-trail hike) Way Points: Rainy-Ann Ridge & Maple Pass & Heather Pass & Lewis Lake & Heather Pass (trail hike & off-trail hike) Starting & Ending Point: Heather Pass / Lake Ann / Rainy Lake Trailhead (Highway 20) September 27-29, 2020 Black Peak Climbing Trip & Maple Pass Loop: clockwiseĪrea: North Cascades Scenic Highway Corridor
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