[Dustin Trails]

After months of dredging these pages for inspiration, snow conditions, route descriptions and a variety of other knowledge, I feel compelled to give back to the community I have been stalking. Winter is behind us and a long climbing season quietly awaits us. Glimpses of winter weather still hit us, but the snow pack is done growing. With that in mind, I turned my thoughts towards Bulger peaks. Yesterday was a beautiful day on Colchuck Peak. I started up the trail at 9:15am passing many fellow hikers, climbers and skiers on their way to various destinations. I felt good about my timing as I stood at the south end of Colchuck Lake at 11:00am. I knew afternoon rain/snow was possible and wanted to make an earlier summit. This plan, like the weather... did not hold.

Colchuck Glacier from ~6000'

Cashmere Mountain

I was the first person up Colchuck Glacier today. I was greeted with one to three feet of wind blown/fresh snow on top of a harder layer. Due to my avalanche concerns, I skirted the right side of the glacier using moats and rock in certain areas to protect myself from triggering any slides. It was a three hour slog for which my sun burnt face tells the story. After attaining the col, I quickly ascended the peak as nearing precipitation served to lengthen my stride. This part was also tricky. I had been watching the temperatures on my watch and it had been over 60 degrees for several hours. Avoiding the possibility of a solar avalanche, I climbed some difficult class 3/4 rock, staying near the north face. At 14:55 I summited, just as the wind and snow kicked up. I did have enough time to snap a few pics, however. After a 10 minute stay I worked quickly back to the col. Three skiers were setting up camp, we talked for a few and I was on my way, ready to be back to the relative safety of Colchuck Lake.

Argonaut Peak (L) and Sherpa/Stuart (R) under clouds

Dragontail Peak from Colchuck Peak

W to E panorama of Stuart Range

E to W panorama of Stuart Range

Naturally, as I reached the lower sections of the Colchuck Glacier, the sun reappeared. But hey, what is the Stuart Range experience without some cloudy summits? It seems this is the norm for me here. I hurried up and was back at the car by 18:45. I had hoped to make better time (originally with the idea of also bagging Dragontail), but weather and snow conditions thwarted that effort. Overall, I was quite happy with the day.

Colchuck Peak under sunlight

Dragontail and Colchuck Peaks

Colchuck Lake

Dragontail Peak above Colchuck Lake

[Dustin Trails]

Jeff, I think Cashmere should be prime this upcoming weekend. Looks like snow will be decently consolidated by then. Also, for those comfortable sticking closer to the ridge from Windy Pass, that might be a good direction.

[SergioNapelo]

Thanks for the report!

[puzzlr]

At least there is a little snow up there

[dicentra]

Lemme know if you need a place to crash. We're close and have a spare room. It would be good to see you.

[tigermn]

How is the trail up to the lake?

[Dustin Trails]

The trail to the lake was nearly snow free, no traction necessary.