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TrailPair Member
Joined: 17 Apr 2005 Posts: 1699 | TRs | Pics
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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. Route to McCausland Route to McCausland Steep climb on South ridge McCausland (HP 5747) Easier climb near the summit A few rays of sun on Lake Valhalla North Ridge of Lichtenberg from McCausland Bob just below summit Textured snow near summit Frosted trees on summit Our descent route on East slope
This thing called work is interfering with my play
This thing called work is interfering with my play
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Joseph_in_Tacoma Member
Joined: 14 Aug 2007 Posts: 65 | TRs | Pics Location: Tacoma, WA |
TrailPair wrote: | Textured snow near summit |
I love the texture - it almost looks like a topo map.
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GeoTom Member
Joined: 19 May 2005 Posts: 3215 | TRs | Pics Location: Earth |
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GeoTom
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Mon Feb 25, 2008 3:09 pm
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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
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wildernessed viewbagger
Joined: 31 Oct 2004 Posts: 9275 | TRs | Pics Location: Wenatchee |
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.
Living in the Anthropocene
Living in the Anthropocene
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TrailPair Member
Joined: 17 Apr 2005 Posts: 1699 | TRs | Pics
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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
This thing called work is interfering with my play
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Sabahsboy Member
Joined: 18 Jul 2006 Posts: 2484 | TRs | Pics Location: SW Sno County |
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Sabahsboy
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Mon Feb 25, 2008 7:10 pm
McCausland and route to Valhalla Lake
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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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