Forum Index > Trip Reports > Hot Time on Hidden Lake Peaks 12-27-09
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Sadie's Driver
Sadie's Driver



Joined: 24 Apr 2006
Posts: 1763 | TRs | Pics
Location: Welcome Pass
Sadie's Driver
Sadie's Driver
PostMon Dec 28, 2009 5:31 pm 
redface.gif 6:00 a.m. at the Everett PUD???? What kind of cruel joke is this on the weekend after Christmas?? Well, we wanted to give ourselves plenty of time rolleyes.gif and that we did. Matt, Loper (Lisa), Mud Slinger (Bill), Cartman (Eric), Gus and the driver were set for this trip - but at the last minute on Sunday morning, Eric had to bail out because he wasn't feeling well. So, Gus and the driver loaded the three remaining members into the Highlander and off we headed to Marblemount and beyond. The temperature was below freezing in Everett - dropping to 23 degrees in Darrington - but by the time we got to the trailhead, the temperature was at 36 degrees! Downright balmy! winksmile.gif Following Opus' report Hidden Lake Peaks from earlier in December, we expected to be stopped by snow at around 2500'. shakehead.gif Nope, we could have gone all the way to the summer trailhead. There was snow on the road - but definitely passable. However, we decided that we should probably park at the last switchback, because that would put us closer to a starting point to reach the ridge (at about 3200'). We were on the "trail" by 9:00 a.m.
Getting ready to roll (at 3200':)
Getting ready to roll (at 3200')
YIKES! eek.gif The orange flagging we saw wasn't a trail maker - likely a road crew marker, because we literally went straight up! Gaining about 450' as we hit the ridge.
Bill as we are heading up
Bill as we are heading up
Matt heading up steep slope
Matt heading up steep slope
Lisa heading up the steep slope from the road!
Lisa heading up the steep slope from the road!
Here we stopped for a clothing adjustment, water, snack and a deep breath!
Bill and Matt taking a clothing break - Lisa checking the route
Bill and Matt taking a clothing break - Lisa checking the route
We really didn't hit "snow" until about 4300' - and what we did hit was rock hard. So, on came the crampons because this was still a fairly steep climb. We continued on through the trees - we could hear the wind blowing - but we were fairly well protected. Occasionally, we would see evidence of old bootprints - but we pretty much made our own trail. We reached the edge of the trees at about 5300' and views began to appear.
First views leaving the trees (looking West)
First views leaving the trees (looking West)
Views looking North
Views looking North
More views coming out of the trees
More views coming out of the trees
Also, the wind began to pick up - so we stopped to put more clothes on! The snow was pretty wind scoured, so we kept our crampons on - good plan. From here, it's a pretty straight shot to the summit - and what a beautiful day it was - clear, blue skies. cool.gif We made quick work of this little 4000' day - reaching the summit just a little before Noon.
Gus and Lisa - on windy ridge
Gus and Lisa - on windy ridge
Looking up to summit of Hidden Lake Peak
Looking up to summit of Hidden Lake Peak
Ohhh -  Ahhh
Ohhh - Ahhh
The views are spectacular
The views are spectacular
Baker and friends
Baker and friends
Matt heading up to summit
Matt heading up to summit
Looking east over Hidden Lake
Looking east over Hidden Lake
Matt
Matt
Gus greeting Lisa coming up to the summit of Hidden Lake Peak
Gus greeting Lisa coming up to the summit of Hidden Lake Peak
Gus and Lisa
Gus and Lisa
Matt, the Driver and Gus on the summit of Hidden Lake Peak Dec. 26, 2009
Matt, the Driver and Gus on the summit of Hidden Lake Peak Dec. 26, 2009
Our crew on the summit of Hidden Lake Peak (Eldorado in background)
Our crew on the summit of Hidden Lake Peak (Eldorado in background)
Matt waiting for the perfect summit pic on Hidden Lake Peak
Matt waiting for the perfect summit pic on Hidden Lake Peak
Hidden Lake
Hidden Lake
Views and more views
Views and more views
Matt coming off of Hidden Lake Peaks
Matt coming off of Hidden Lake Peaks
Summit of Hidden Lake Peaks
Summit of Hidden Lake Peaks
Matt descending Hidden Lake Peak
Matt descending Hidden Lake Peak
Matt downclimbing  Hidden Lake Peak
Matt downclimbing Hidden Lake Peak
Gus and Matt de-summiting
Gus and Matt de-summiting
Gus in awe of Matt (or:  "Aww, he's gonna give me some of that sandwich, isn't he?":)
Gus in awe of Matt (or: "Aww, he's gonna give me some of that sandwich, isn't he?")
Bill, Lisa and Matt heading down after lunch break
Bill, Lisa and Matt heading down after lunch break
Bill on the edge
Bill on the edge
It actually felt pretty warm in the sun - but a bit breezy right on the summit, so we dropped down a little to eat our lunch. We had a bit of a debate about whether to go down to Sibley Pass and rejoin the "summer" trail - which would have been a nice loop - but they immediately lost my vote when they mentioned it would add about an hour to our descent - and would mean a couple miles of road walk!!!! I hate road walks, I hate road walks, etc. So - we opted to make a little side trip going further down the ridge to the north (towards the pass) and then heading back down the way we came up - we decided not to try for the look out - another day perhaps. Matt was opining about possibly staying for sunset - since it would be quite spectacular - but we pretty much assured him that we would be back in Everett by then and would send the rescue folks to retrieve him! lol.gif Some more pretty pics
Fabulous wind sculptures
Fabulous wind sculptures
More wind sculptures
More wind sculptures
Matt and Hidden Lake Peak behind
Matt and Hidden Lake Peak behind
Hidden Lake Peak
Hidden Lake Peak
Bill had spotted a lonely skier who looked to be heading for the look out - and we came across his tracks - but that would be the only other person we would see all day. Once back in the trees, we made quick work of the route down - removing crampons just about where we had put them on earlier,
Bill ditching the crampons
Bill ditching the crampons
Lisa gettting ready to lose the crampons
Lisa gettting ready to lose the crampons
Gear change on the way down
Gear change on the way down
and then finding our route marker (which we removed!) for our descent back to the car off of the ridge. OMG! That had to be the steepest slope I have ever been on! Lisa and I pulled out our ice/dirt axes to get down it - the butt slide worked well a time or two, too! agree.gif We were back down to the car in about 2 1/2 hours, so we made quick work of this little summit! Great day out in the mountains with some fun folks! up.gif biggrin.gif

Four-paw buddy lets me tag along!
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TrailPair
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Joined: 17 Apr 2005
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TrailPair
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PostMon Dec 28, 2009 6:26 pm 
Most excellent day to be out....although, the snow must have been hard and wind scoured. up.gif

This thing called work is interfering with my play
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loper
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Joined: 11 Aug 2007
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Location: seeking the sun
loper
Member
PostMon Dec 28, 2009 7:18 pm 
Was a good day in the mountains. Always good to get out with Bill and Matt. Glad to have finally met you Suzanne and Gus the Adorable! Here are a few of my favorites.
Matt coming down off HLP
Matt coming down off HLP
HLP windscoured snow  1  12_27_09
HLP windscoured snow 1 12_27_09
Sun and Wind Scoured Snow HLP
Sun and Wind Scoured Snow HLP
wind scoured snow 2 HLP
wind scoured snow 2 HLP
Suzanne coming down off HLP
Suzanne coming down off HLP
Gus the adorable
Gus the adorable
Hidden Lake Peak
Hidden Lake Peak
Stats are something like just under 5 miles and 3800ft of gain by my rough topo analysis. Lisa BTW, Suzanne HOT?? I don't remember HOT up there!!! lol.gif

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cartman
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cartman
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PostMon Dec 28, 2009 7:30 pm 
Thanks for the pics, I knew it was going to be fantastic up there. Naturally, I was feeling fairly decent by mid-day and wishing I'd gone.

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raising3hikers
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Joined: 21 Sep 2007
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raising3hikers
Member
PostMon Dec 28, 2009 8:38 pm 
Must have been a great day up there. I wish I had thought of going there especially with hardly any snow until 4300'. Sounds like a good idea to park at the last switchback and follow the ridge up.gif

Eric Eames
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Opus
Wannabe



Joined: 04 Mar 2006
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Location: The big rock candy mountain
Opus
Wannabe
PostMon Dec 28, 2009 9:07 pm 
Awesome! Isn't this winter? Shouldn't there be more snow for your trip nearly three weeks after mine?

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Sadie's Driver
Sadie's Driver



Joined: 24 Apr 2006
Posts: 1763 | TRs | Pics
Location: Welcome Pass
Sadie's Driver
Sadie's Driver
PostMon Dec 28, 2009 9:14 pm 
Hot Times on HLP
Opus wrote:
Awesome! Isn't this winter? Shouldn't there be more snow for your trip nearly three weeks after mine?
agree.gif lol.gif
Loper wrote:
BTW, Suzanne HOT?? I don't remember HOT up there!!!
See above - Must have been the inversion-effect - absolutely balmy on the summit! winksmile.gif
Cartman wrote:
. . . knew I should have gone!
Yup - a gorgeous day!!! s.d.

Four-paw buddy lets me tag along!
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twodogdad
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PostTue Dec 29, 2009 7:41 pm 
Strong year-end run, driver! Happy New Year, tdd

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BarbE
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BarbE
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PostWed Dec 30, 2009 11:45 am 
Sorry I had to miss out on what looked like a perfect year-end trip. Amazing blue skies, views and wind sculptures! up.gif up.gif

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Sadie's Driver
Sadie's Driver



Joined: 24 Apr 2006
Posts: 1763 | TRs | Pics
Location: Welcome Pass
Sadie's Driver
Sadie's Driver
PostWed Dec 30, 2009 12:24 pm 
HLP
BarbE wrote:
Sorry I had to miss out on what looked like a perfect year-end trip. Amazing blue skies, views and wind sculptures! up.gif up.gif
agree.gif .. . . and, you missed the cookies, too!!! winksmile.gif s.d.

Four-paw buddy lets me tag along!
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BarbE
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BarbE
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PostWed Dec 30, 2009 12:54 pm 
... cookies and great company! bawl.gif

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Highwalker's Daughter
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Highwalker's Daughter
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PostWed Dec 30, 2009 8:52 pm 
Looks like an amazingly beautiful winter trip up there - nice way to end 2009!

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Matt
Tea, Earl Grey, Hot



Joined: 30 Jan 2007
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Location: Shoreline
Matt
Tea, Earl Grey, Hot
PostThu Jan 07, 2010 2:48 am 
Hidden Lake Peak via west ridge, 12/27/09
Destination: Hidden Lake Peak 7088 via West Ridge Date: 12/27/09 Party: Loper, Bill B, Sadie’s Driver (& Gusto), Matt Here are the details that stood out for me on the trip:
  • The road was open remarkably late in the season.
  • HLP’s west ridge makes a very direct route to the summit.
  • The higher slopes had fine wind-carved sastrugi.
Route info: We drove to the road’s last (shorter) switchback at 3200 feet. (You could also start directly onto the ridge from the earlier switchbacks at 2700 or 3000 feet.) We hiked up the steep side of the ridge to reach its crest circa 3500, angling somewhat rightward to avoid even steeper terrain. The ridge crest itself made a fine upward path – well-defined, moderately wide, moderately steep, and brush-free. Circa 5500 feet we hit the top of the ridge, where the summer trail traverses perpendicular to our path on its way from the trailhead to the lookout. We went straight up to the true summit on open, wind-scoured slopes. Hiking up the high slopes:
First view of the peaks (Marble Needle, Eldorado, Sibley Pass, Triad)
First view of the peaks (Marble Needle, Eldorado, Sibley Pass, Triad)
Suzanne ascending the high slopes
Suzanne ascending the high slopes
My shadow on the wind-carved snow
My shadow on the wind-carved snow
Fresh slab preserved in the wind shadow of a rock outcrop
Fresh slab preserved in the wind shadow of a rock outcrop
Arriving at the summit:
Going up the last crest
Going up the last crest
Gus & Suzanne arrive at the summit
Gus & Suzanne arrive at the summit
Shadow of the summit
Shadow of the summit
On the summit:
Suzanne, Lisa, Bill & Gus
Suzanne, Lisa, Bill & Gus
Matt on Hidden Lake Peak Summit
Matt on Hidden Lake Peak Summit
Summit Tea & Eldorado
Summit Tea & Eldorado
Summit Views:
Sibley Pass & Backbone Ridge
Sibley Pass & Backbone Ridge
Sibley Pass, Marble Needle Area, Eldorado
Sibley Pass, Marble Needle Area, Eldorado
Eldorado area detail
Eldorado area detail
Hidden Lake & Lakelet; Cascade River Valley & Pass; Forbidden, Boston & Sahalke, Johannesburg
Hidden Lake & Lakelet; Cascade River Valley & Pass; Forbidden, Boston & Sahalke, Johannesburg
Hidden Lake (with Johannesburg & Ptarmigan Traverse peaks)
Hidden Lake (with Johannesburg & Ptarmigan Traverse peaks)
Spider, Formidabble, Leconte, Sentinel & Old Guard, Sinister, Dome
Spider, Formidabble, Leconte, Sentinel & Old Guard, Sinister, Dome
Looking south to the lookout summit
Looking south to the lookout summit
Starting down (we hiked a bit along the ridge toward Sibley Pass)
My shadow ready to descend to the lunch spot
My shadow ready to descend to the lunch spot
Our shadows hiking away
Our shadows hiking away
HIking down the wind-carved ridge
HIking down the wind-carved ridge
Sastrugi:
Shadow  photographing sastrugi (with pawprints)
Shadow photographing sastrugi (with pawprints)
Sastrugi with Forbidden, Boston, Cascade Pass & Johannesburg
Sastrugi with Forbidden, Boston, Cascade Pass & Johannesburg
HLP summit
HLP summit
Prow
Prow
Ripples
Ripples
Plates
Plates
Waves
Waves
Back down the ridge:
Moonrise over the shoulder of the peak
Moonrise over the shoulder of the peak
Walking down the ridge crest
Walking down the ridge crest

“As beacons mountains burned at evening.” J.R.R. Tolkien
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Scrooge
Famous Grouse



Joined: 16 Dec 2001
Posts: 6966 | TRs | Pics
Location: wishful thinking
Scrooge
Famous Grouse
PostThu Jan 07, 2010 9:57 am 
Somebody's working on the 2011 calendar. wink.gif up.gif up.gif

Something lost behind the ranges. Lost and waiting for you....... Go and find it. Go!
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Sadie's Driver
Sadie's Driver



Joined: 24 Apr 2006
Posts: 1763 | TRs | Pics
Location: Welcome Pass
Sadie's Driver
Sadie's Driver
PostThu Jan 07, 2010 10:04 am 
Scrooge wrote:
Somebody's working on the 2011 calendar. wink.gif up.gif up.gif
Heck, he didn't even post the GOOD ones! lol.gif winksmile.gif Nice job, Matt! Thanks for posting them - wonder if the road is still accessible??? s.d.

Four-paw buddy lets me tag along!
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