[mtn.climber]

In my failing quest to deny that I was turning a year older, I once again recruited son Derek (Rocknclimb) to join me on a one-day ascent up two of Washington's top 100. This time it would be Dumbbell (8421', #73) and Greenwood (8415', #74). I also convinced former climbing partner Neil to join us. He's been living in New York, but work has brought him back to Seattle for a few months. The trailhead is located near the end of the Chiwawa River road. Same one as the much more popular Spider Meadows. **BEGIN RANT--The dirt road, only about 10 miles, is in terrible shape. It seems like it's worse every year. Especially after the right fork that leads to the TH. Lots of rocks, and a ravine, add to the challenge. High clearance vehicles would be best. Neil's car made it, but he shredded a tire on the way out and had to drive the rest of the way to Seattle on a donut replacement.--END RANT** We headed up the trail at 7 a.m., and arrived at Spider Meadows at 8:50. After crossing the meadow, we took the right fork (signed) that leads into Phelps Basin. (For anyone else thinking about this hike, Yana's 9/16/2008 trip report gives excellent route directions). We hiked to near the end of the basin, then climbed up left side of the waterfall. Eventually we crossed the water and made our way up easy heather slopes to a obvious snow-filled gully.

Dumbell summit (far right)

Derek checks out the route ahead

Neil picks his way thru the talus filled gully

Snow was a welcome relief from all the crappy talus. Dumbbell summit straight ahead.

Great view Red mountain across Phelps Basin

Near the top of the snow, we climbed up a short rock face, then made our way over to the class 4 notch. We used the moat between snow and rock to reach the notch as none of us were very excited to get out on the steep snow face. The notch climb was fairly simple, lots of good foot and hand holds. From there, it was a easy scramble up the ridge to Dumbbells' summit. Amazing views in all directions!

Climbing up the class 4(?) gully below Dumbbell's summit. Good foot and handholds make it fairly simple.

Nearing Dumbell's summit

Atop Dumbbell

Bonanza Peak, Isella glacier

Lower Lyman lake

Copper, Fernow and others from the summit

Glacier peak

We descended the route, and decided we had time to knock off Greenwood. We were all excited to experience the "Baby Carriage Ledge" that leads to Greenwood. It's a narrow ledge that wraps around Dumbbell, and offers extreme exposure. A definite no-fall zone! I made it most of the way, but just couldn't convince myself of a final, scary move (to me, at least). I sat and watched as Derek and Neil finished the ledge and headed up to tag Greenwood's summit.

Greenwood from Dumbbell

Dumbbell descent

Start of baby carriage ledge that leads to Greenwood

Ledge to Greenwood. Class 2, but a definite no-fall zone

Lake way below the ledge

Soon we were all back together and began the descent to Phelps Basin. Once there, we enjoyed some cold beer that we had stashed in the snow. After that was just the long hike out. We reached the cars a little after 7 p.m., and enjoyed another round of beers that had been stored in a cooler (thanks, Neil). 18.5 miles 5208' total elevation gain 12 hours

[Fletcher]

I did this trip last year and really enjoyed it. Love the baby carriage ledge. Happy birthday Dave!

[Magellan]

Nice work fellas. Covering some ground there.

[Redwic]

Nice effort, guys! Sorry to hear about Neil's tire.

[wildernessed]

Looks cooler. 112 this afternoon here in the sun.

[rocknclimb]

Had a blast climbing these mountains with my dad and Neil. Long day, but completely worth the effort. Stunning views of the Dakobeds, Fernow complex, and Bonanza from the summits. Spider Meadows and Phelps Basin are nice as well The exposed ledge to Greenwood is only class 2, but it leaves zero room for error. Some loose scree on the ledge adds some spice to the traverse. Route up Greenwood is obvious from here.

Phelps Basin pano

Phelps Basin

Heading up next to the waterfall

Dad climbing out of gully

Easy scrambling to Dumbell summit

Mtn Climber nearing the summit of Dumbell

Fernow complex

Summit views to the north

Dad and Neil signing the register

Views toward Glacier Pk

Dumbell

Neil crossing the exposed ledge

Another great day in the mountains!!! Happy birthday Mtn Climber

[puzzlr]

A long day, and I agree with you on that road. For as popular as that trailhead is it deserves more attention.

[touron]

I wonder what lake that might be?

[Studebaker Hoch]

[Roly Poly]

That is a great shot of the exposed ledge. Happy birthday, Dave.

[Matt Lemke]

Loved that ledge! Didn't know it was called that though lol. Pretty sure it's too narrow for a baby carriage