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rocknclimb Member
Joined: 10 Sep 2010 Posts: 474 | TRs | Pics Location: Wenatchee Valley |
Best view of the day
Seems the Chatter Creek Trail has become my go-to location up the Icicle. Not sure why as it's a bit steep, rocky, and hot on a sunny day. Sunday would be my 7th and probably not last trip there. Neil & myself headed up the trail by 8:45 with the summit of Big Lou as our goal for the day. The trail is in decent shape with only a few fallen trees in the first 2.5 miles. Crossing Chatter Creek at 4,400' was trivial with some decent logs.
Crossing Chatter Creek
At this point we left the trail and headed in the direction of the gully. The gully isn't visible here, so make a mental note a 1/4 mile back for the correct line to take.
Into the Brush Starting up the gully
Gully was thankfully snow free, as that would be a post-hole nightmare in spring conditions. Carefully worked our way up the boulders a few hundred feet until the "fisherman's" trail developed along the left side.
Large gully system Neil in the gully
Hit consistent snow immediately above the gully at 6,400'. This basin below Frigid is splendid with or without snow. The route up to the ridge went well. Parties can currently choose all snow, no snow, or a mix. We stayed on dirt on the way up, but plunge stepped the snow on return.
Access line up to the ridge Snow at 6,400'
Upon reaching the ridge I immediately regretted not bringing my crampons.
Frigid Peak
The Ida Lake Basin was completely snow bound, and the drop off the ridge looked steep. Thankfully Neil was prepared and kicked in nice steps on a short exposed traverse leading to a much easier angled slope. Somehow managed zero pics of Ida, but it is still frozen and will be for some time. The slopes of Lou were bare which was nice, but the wind was howling and some snow was beginning to fall. We made haste to the summit, but only stayed long enough to enjoy our summit beers.
Summit in the distance Getting closer Icicle Ridge & Valley
We retreated our route back back down to Chatter Creek, and made the slog out to the truck. The only thing open after 8 for food in Leavenworth was Heidleburger, but we were more than happy for that. 12 miles w/ 5,400' gained. Another great day in the mountains!!!
When asked "Why do you climb"? Simply respond "Why don't you"?
When asked "Why do you climb"? Simply respond "Why don't you"?
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Fletcher Member
Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Posts: 1870 | TRs | Pics Location: kirkland |
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Fletcher
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Mon Jun 15, 2020 6:04 pm
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Nice running into you in town last night dude. Looks like a nice route once past all that talus!
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mtn.climber Member
Joined: 29 Jul 2008 Posts: 1202 | TRs | Pics Location: The Lost Horizon |
Still lots of snow up there. Surprised that Ida was still frozen over.
Good trip!
Reach for the sky, cuz tomorrow may never come.
Live the life of love. Love the life you live.
Reach for the sky, cuz tomorrow may never come.
Live the life of love. Love the life you live.
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cascadetraverser Member
Joined: 16 Sep 2007 Posts: 1407 | TRs | Pics
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I love that area and visited it multiple times as well a few years back. Looks like a great ski destination for spring in the future. Thanks for the TR.
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geyer Member
Joined: 23 May 2017 Posts: 462 | TRs | Pics Location: Seattle |
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geyer
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Wed Jun 17, 2020 2:49 pm
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I went up Frigid and Big Lou the week before you! Did you have any ticks attack you? I had to swipe a few off of me and one of them got a free ride back to Seattle...
Nice area though
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raising3hikers Member
Joined: 21 Sep 2007 Posts: 2343 | TRs | Pics Location: Edmonds, Wa |
I went up there yesterday and the chatter creek crossing logs were under water. A cold ford was had but that's the way it goes. Summited to views inside a cloud.
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