[Gimpilator]

Redwic and I climbed the Craggies yesterday, 9.5 hours round-trip (includes a half hour on each summit). The high traverse route between the two peaks requires some up and down, but is not difficult to figure out. There is a lot of loose rock on the route, but after doing Lago/Carru/Osceola last weekend, it didn't seem that bad. There are varying degrees of looseness in the Cascades.

Big Craggy south ridge

Isabella Ridge

Sherman Peak

Redwic ascending loose talus

fresh snow

the basin below

near the summit

ridge crest

the west summit from the east summit

Big Craggy east summit

Big Craggy west summit

fresh snow

overlooking the traverse route

No Dice Lake

north peak of Big Craggy

The bridge over Copper Glance creek is collapsed but there are now slippery logs in place to ease the way. On the ascent we made use of the south ridge of Big Craggy, skirting around minor cliff bands by entering a gully left of the crest near the top. We were surprised to find fresh snow in the shade near the summit. The traverse route is mainly class 2 with relatively few class 3 moves. If you plan to climb West Craggy, make sure you climb the broad loose gully and not the narrow steep one farthest left. We almost entered the wrong gully but Redwic corrected us.

West Craggy east face

starting the traverse

the traverse

ascending the broad loose gully

West Craggy south ridge

Big Craggy from West Craggy

near the summit

false summit

West Craggy summit pano looking west

Osceola, Carru, Lago

scrambling down

I could have picked an easier way

glissade time

tarn #1

tarn#2

lupine and Isabella Ridge

On the descent we found the slanting ledge which provides access into the upper cirque but I took us off the ledge too soon which made for some slightly more exposed scrambling. We then crossed endless talus, passing a few picturesque tarns before rejoining the trail.

Copper Glance Mine

the entrance

3 labels

the fork junction and collapsed roof

minerals

X intersection near the entrance

collapsed bridge

Back at Copper Glance Mine I suggested we make a full exploration with our helmets and headlamps. Inside the entrance there are two short side shafts. Further inside we came to a fork junction where wooden support beams have collapsed and the ceiling has fallen in. I proceeded a short way down the left tunnel to the end. The right side tunnel looked unstable so we left it undisturbed.

[AR]

Very nice. I can see why they were mining there. Never been a fan of going more than a few feet into a mine though.

[touron]

Tarn 1 and No Dice look pretty inviting.

[Magellan]

Nice work. I've been meaning to do those for years.

[dundeel]

Eric and I camped near Tarn 2. Nice camp except for the snoring coming from the other tent.............

[BeyondLost]

Last time I was there was 2009. I did explore that mine fork to the right and came to a section where the roof had caved in and you could see the sky above. More may have collapsed since then and I agree probably not the safest area to explore. https://www.nwhikers.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=7978979&highlight=copper+glance

[puzzlr]

You went in that mine a lot farther than I was willing to. That's a cool area with lots of great scrambling, albeit pretty loose.

[BeyondLost]

[Fletcher]

Nice job guys! The fresh snow is a bit of a trip considering how warm its been.

[wildernessed]

Nice. Love the profile of Big Craggy.

[Gabigabs]

Nice pics and TR. We did Big Craggy earlier in the season when there still was some snow around to avoid the loose rock.

[Redwic]