Joined: 12 Oct 2006 Posts: 391 | TRs | Pics Location: Edmonds, WA
Sun May 06, 2012 6:03 pm
Redwic and I attempted the west ridge of Mount Index last June as a day trip but we timed out in the saddle at 4900 feet. This time we brought 5 friends and overnight gear as well. We camped on the broad ledge at 4700 feet Saturday night. We went up to the summit early Sunday morning to avoid avy danger. Snowshoes were necessary. All 7 of our group made it to the summit. The bushwhack stole one ice axe from our group. Please contact me if it is found.
Joined: 23 Feb 2009 Posts: 2336 | TRs | Pics Location: Where The Wild Things Are
Sun May 06, 2012 7:01 pm
We had a great team and a great time! Everyone worked very well together and contributed to the success of the trip. An early start was critical; if we had left camp 1-2 hours later, we probably would not have summited (and would have had problems on the return, as well). In regards to weather and snow conditions, everything worked in our favor at the right times.
It's nice to summit another one of the prominent peaks near my hometown. This was my 70th Washington P2K, my 98th USA P2K overall.
Thanks to everyone who helped make this trip a big success!
-------------- Highpointers Aren't Born... They Ascend.
Joined: 01 Nov 2007 Posts: 4026 | TRs | Pics Location: Lynnwood,WA (The Cloudiest Place on Earth)
Mon May 07, 2012 10:49 am
Looks like you had a lot more fun that I did when I went up to Index. When I went during late September I considered it one of the most scum bag routes I have ever done with mosquitoes, slider alder, humidity, and all that bad stuff. Glad you guys made it.
Is Mt. Index the one in picture 3 (of the original post)? In picture 12, I see some tracks in the lower left. What is the route up? Really beautiful pictures, thanks for letting us have a peek!
Joined: 23 Feb 2009 Posts: 2336 | TRs | Pics Location: Where The Wild Things Are
Mon May 07, 2012 1:48 pm
Bob2005 wrote:
Is Mt. Index the one in picture 3 (of the original post)? In picture 12, I see some tracks in the lower left. What is the route up? Really beautiful pictures, thanks for letting us have a peek!
GIMPILATOR'S PICTURE #3 (as shown on original post):
Looking at Mount Persis from Mount Index
GIMPILATOR'S PICTURE #12 (as shown on original post):
Looking back at Mount Index on our way out.
-------------- Highpointers Aren't Born... They Ascend.
Joined: 23 Feb 2009 Posts: 2336 | TRs | Pics Location: Where The Wild Things Are
Mon May 07, 2012 7:49 pm
EastKing wrote:
Looks like a good early spring destination.
I am not so sure about that! We hit perfect conditions at the right locations and the right moments. It took a major combination of sun, clouds, freezing, thawing (but not too much), fresh snow, old snow, etc. at the times we really needed them. Still, we assessed every step along the way; safety was front and center in our minds. In reality, thanks largely to the rapid warming on the mountain, some of our route might not even be usable now. Having now been part of a successful summit team there, I personally would not recommend this peak as a Spring destination for most peakbaggers.
-------------- Highpointers Aren't Born... They Ascend.
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By the way, I'm still waiting for that trip report!
But you gotta admit the route itself was pretty lousy with the bushes, the mosquitoes, and the heat. 
Perhaps I should have worded it as "more pleasant". 
(the first time we attempted Index was a lot nicer)
