[Randy]

Davis is one of those road-visible summits along HWY 20 that begs to be climbed much like Graybeard or Liberty Bell. Justus and I finally connected on a perfect (albeit scorching hot) September day to make it happen. We parked at the Gorge Creek overlook (1100’) and started up the brief tourist trail around 0830. The first 3000’ of gain go up steep forest scattered with large slab cliffs that require strategic avoidance. We followed a mix of game trails and what looked like old people trails to the south ridge at about 4500’ – little to no brush along the way.

Passing a Stray Cairn on the Ascent

The lower part of the south ridge consisted of some slab climbing, scrub fir bashing, and pleasant heather stomping.

South Ridge, First Views

Higher up, the views started to dominate and we had unique looks at familiar things.

Ruby, Dam

Dam, Lake, HWY 20 Overlook

We crested Point 5872’ in a frenzy of flying ants that was unlike anything I had ever seen. We dropped off the top to a saddle where we were happy to find water coming off a snow patch to the east. We next had to climb a steeper 300’ slope that involved mostly class 3 climbing with a couple class 4 steps thrown in.

Starting up the Rock Step

Group Shot

Once above, the remainder of the route was relatively easy up class 2/3 terrain to the summit. The last 800’ of gain to the summit was a spectacular ridge hike.

Final Ridge Section

We made the summit in about 4.5 hours and had plenty of time to take in the amazing views. We spent almost 2 hours on top, a fair amount of which was spent doing heavy construction in search of the summit register.

Justus and Triumph

Davis' Dramatic NE Face

Pickets Zoom

Luna, Redoubt

Shuksan

Justus Takes in a 3000' Drop, Hozomeen Behind

Pickets

The descent along the ridge was great especially the views off to the south.

Snowfield, etc.

The rest of the descent was generally the same as our ascent route, any deviations can very well lead to trouble given areas of brush and cliffs that always threaten nearby. Numbers: 6 miles, 6500’, 10.25 hours

NWHikers Rappel Booty

[Justus S.]

I'd been wanting to get up Davis on a nice day for a while. When I got the ping from Randy I was sold, even if it did require over 6k gain in a few miles, wow. Arriving at the Gorge Creek parking area, the route up Davis looked steep. We would give it a go though and hope for the best. Travel for the most part was pretty good and finding the intermittent game/climbers trail up high made it much better. The trail definitely aided in route finding to the alpine.

Some views on the way up

Once we reached the alpine the views were great.

Things opend up and we had some nice view, Ross and Roost

Randy checking out the views

Roost

It was also really super hot.

Randy hoping this isn't our only water source

With the heat and blueberries we were moving slow. We had to push on though. The sight of some good water lifted our spirits.

Water!!!

Oh, did I mention we were attacked by bugs as we topped out on 5872. Randy was brave enough to go back in and try and catch some pictures of them.

Randy surrounded by bugs

After coming off 5872 and getting some water we made our way up the step. It turned out to not be as difficult as I thought it might be. After the step it was nice travel to the summit.

Triumph to the Chopping Block

Triumph

Nearing the summit

Randy checking out the views down

Some pictures from the summit.

Shuksan and the Chopping Block

Randy checking out what is below

Whoa, that's a long way down

Snowfield group

Baker

Looking down to the Hwy below

Pickets

View east

We even got in some needed R&R.

Nap time

We eventually had to head down.

Parting face shot

Boat on Diablo Lake

Fall is almost here

Randy having a little fun getting off this boulder

Looking back at the ridge route up Davis

A nice parting view

Thanks for a great outing Randy!!!

DavisPano

Notes: Take it steady and slow.

[Tom]

Looks like a lot of fun... though my knees would protest the 6500' drop. I've always been impressed by that NE face of Davis!

[Justus S.]

pics posted

[Randy]

Great shots Justus! Thanks again for the fun day.

[aywolfpac]

Those pictures looking down from that rock are pretty hairy.

[forest gnome]

so what was below that pointy outcroping?? possible base jumping potential....where can u land??

[Justus S.]

Gnome, air! Check out Randy's Ne Face shot. Don't think it is vertical enough to base jump.

1 label

Davis summit face

[Magellan]

No register? Nice quick work you gents made of this peak. It seems to be getting more popular. Not like Tiger popular, but multiple ascents in one year.

[Randy]

Unfortunately, the register is no longer on the summit. We literally took the summit apart looking for it. It's a shame because the one that is supposed to be up there dates back to 1969 if I remember correctly. Unless someone has taken it to the UW or other worthy destination, another piece of history has been lost.

[Tom_Sjolseth]

What, no aerial photos? Nice trip, fellas. I definitely need to get in there and do that thing once and for all!

[Layback]

Does anyone have a shot of Davis from the road? I'm totally unfamiliar with it. It looks like a great outing.

[Justus S.]

IMG_5517

IMG_5497

[Layback]

Nice. I knew it had to be something I've thought would look fun. Thanks Justus.

[seawallrunner]

So the trailhead to the peak starts from the Gorge Creek parking area near the bridge over Gorge Creek? I can't picture where the trail begins, across the street. Is it somewhere near that bridge, or further down the road?