Forum Index > Trip Reports > Mt. McCausland (HP 5747) 2-24-08
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TrailPair
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TrailPair
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PostSun Feb 24, 2008 8:56 pm 
As we drove over Stevens Pass this morning in the rain and wind, we had second thoughts about this trip. However, at Smith Brook Rd. the rain had turned to light snow, and the wind was still. It certainly wasn't going to be a "blue bird" day like yesterday, but was still a great day to be out. We love the stunning view of the north ridge of Lichtenberg from Mt. McCausland. There were very few people in the area. We passed two groups of skiers, both heading to the viewpoint for Lake Valhalla. There was a good trench all the way to this point. We didn't bother with snowshoes until about 4800ft., and that was more for traction. Since the snow condition was good for climbing, we went straight up the steeper south ridge of McCausland, using our heel lifts and ice axes. This side of the mountain was wind scoured. We had a few brief sun breaks while on the summit. After a snack we headed down the gentler east face, floating down in perfect soft snow. There were just a couple of steep areas with harder snow. Bob felt comfortable descending these with snowshoes, but I removed mine. It was perfect for plunge stepping. Distance: 9 miles RT Elevation gain: 2600ft
Beginning of Smith Brook Rd.
Beginning of Smith Brook Rd.
Route to McCausland
Route to McCausland
Route to McCausland
Route to McCausland
Steep climb on South ridge
Steep climb on South ridge
McCausland (HP 5747)
McCausland (HP 5747)
Easier climb near the summit
Easier climb near the summit
A  few rays of sun on Lake Valhalla
A few rays of sun on Lake Valhalla
North Ridge of Lichtenberg from McCausland
North Ridge of Lichtenberg from McCausland
Bob just below summit
Bob just below summit
Textured snow near summit
Textured snow near summit
Frosted trees on summit
Frosted trees on summit
Our descent route on East slope
Our descent route on East slope

This thing called work is interfering with my play
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Joseph_in_Tacoma
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Joseph_in_Tacoma
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PostMon Feb 25, 2008 2:56 pm 
TrailPair wrote:
Textured snow near summit
Textured snow near summit
I love the texture - it almost looks like a topo map.

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GeoTom
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PostMon Feb 25, 2008 3:09 pm 
TrailPair wrote:
It certainly wasn't going to be a "blue bird" day like yesterday, but was still a great day to be out.
You did get a little more than the typical TrailPair summit view though up.gif

Knows literally nothing
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wildernessed
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PostMon Feb 25, 2008 4:14 pm 
Isn't that a version 2.0 or so for you guys on that peak ? Some people will do anything to burn those megaclaories snowshoeing. hockeygrin.gif

Living in the Anthropocene
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TrailPair
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PostMon Feb 25, 2008 6:15 pm 
Yes, that was our second trip up McCausland. We did it with Gary W. and Jim K in 2006.

This thing called work is interfering with my play
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Sabahsboy
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Sabahsboy
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PostMon Feb 25, 2008 7:10 pm 
McCausland and route to Valhalla Lake
Very much like "Textured Snow" and "Frosted tree" shots along with all the fine photos. McCausland became a favorite place for me a few years back and I enjoy seeing it, vicariously, dressed in winter white. Thanks for the photo sharing!

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