[awilsondc]

I've had Black Peak on my list for several years, but the North Cascades are a long drive for me so I never really made a serious effort until now. A 4 to 4 1/2 hour drive one way is a bit much for a day trip, so I made the drive in the night before and slept in my Outback. I woke up around 4:30 and by 5:10 I was on the trail. As I was getting ready I noticed the ground starting to look a little orange. There was a crazy sunrise going on, it would have been pretty incredible to be up in the high country for it. The trail up to Heather Pass was quiet, peaceful, and quite scenic. Lake Ann looked lovely down below.

Trailhead sunrise

Meadows

Cutthroat and Whistler

Trail to Heather Pass

Lake Ann

I made quick time up to the pass where I encountered snow and spectacular golden hour light!

First view of Black Peak

Black Peak w/ morning light

Morning Light over Porcupine

Hardy and Golden Horn

Stuff like this gets me so stoked, makes all the driving and getting up early SO worth it! The spectacular light and colors only lasted maybe 20 minutes before clouds moved it, creating some interesting light on Black Peak. Travel from here on was mostly snow with patches of ground and talus. I made my way down to Lewis Lake which was mostly melted out. It had an interesting green hue to it, and I caught some decent reflections in the still waters.

Black Peak in shadows

nearing Lewis Lake

Lewis Lake

Lewis Lake

Black Peak reflection

Melting lake

The trip just kept getting better from here. I slowed my pace and enjoyed the scenery. No need to rush through this one I thought.

Sun rays over Lewis Lake

Corteo Peak

Larches

Sun cups

I kept following this fella

I made my way up towards Wing Lake enjoying the views of Corteo Peak and the many larches that call this place home.

Corteo Peak pano

I arrived at Wing Lake to find it mostly frozen over. The edges had begun to melt, but had frozen during the night and the frozen melt water had the most spectacular bright blue color. I really enjoyed it.

Wing Lake

Black Peak over Wing Lake

Frozen melt water

Lovely blue water

Wing Lake and Corteo Peak

After some lengthy chillin' and taking photos I made my way up to the south saddle of Black Peak. I followed snow until the angle got a bit steep and I decided to head climber's right and take the scree up. It was horrible rotten scree and I probably should have just stayed on the snow. I sought out the more embedded rock for foot placement and eventually reached the saddle where more spectacular views were waiting for me! I had heard from friends that the scramble section was overrated and was mostly class 2 so I wasn't expecting much, but wouldn't you know it the scrambling was actually pretty good! Now, if you just follow the cairns and follow the gully up then yeah, it's mostly class 2 until the summit block. If you're looking for some fun class 3-4 though, it's there! I had a great time scrambling up and stayed mostly to the right side of the gully and close to the ridge. The hardest moves were at the summit block, the final 20 feet. Soon I was at the summit!

South ridge 1

South ridge 2

False summit, traverse starts here

Final summit block

Me looking a little shady on Black Peak. Like, literally in the shade. I'm actually a very trustworthy person.

The views... yeah they were good.

Goode

Glacier and Dome

Glacier Peak

Dome Peak

Ragged Ridge

Hardy and Golden Horn

Tower and the Needles

Ballard and Azurite

I had some thai soft rolls for lunch and spent 40 minutes on top before heading back down. As I was making my way back down the gully I took note of some rock spires, of course the great views, and group of four climbers making their way up past Wing Lake. We passed at the steep snow section just below the saddle, which I kicked stepped facing in before doing a long sustained standing glissade which was pretty fun.

Views down the ridge / gully

Gendarmes

Climbers passing Wing Lake

Climbers

Glissade track

The rest of the trip was kinda like the way up, but in reverse. I passed another group of four climbers near Heather Pass, and then a bunch of day hikers as I made my way back to the car.

Lewis Lake

Last look back at Black

Frickin awesome day in the mountains! Most mountains go in the do not repeat category after a trip, but this one goes on the would do again list. I could see myself taking my kids up for a night at Wing Lake when they get older. It's no wonder this one is a North Cascades classic. I loved every step! ~12.2 miles, 5k gain, 9 hours car to car

[neek]

Really nice shots. This one's still on my list, but yeah long drive for a day hike.

[Bootpathguy]

Thanks alot! Now I can't decide on now or during the larching I've been as far as Lewis Lake. Is the talus traverse still completely snow covered from the pass to Lewis Lake? How about overhanging cornice concern in that same section of travel? Great report and excellent images Thanks for sharing

[wildernessed]

Those picture effects are awesome.

[Secret Agent Man]

[Bootpathguy]