[Sammy]

My wife and I had plans for a bigger Northern Pickets traverse, but it was looking like Sunday was going to be the only day with good weather so we decided to do a quick trip to Luna instead. I wasn't really sure we could do it, but we've done Access Creek three times in the past year and knew we could get through there quickly. It was challenging for sure, but one of the most rewarding days we've spent in the mountains together. Sorry for the poor photos… most of these are video screenshots.

False Summit

We started at 2AM and were crossing the Ross Lake Dam about 15 minutes later. Crossing the dam in the dark was spooky!

2AM

Ross Lake Dam

2 hours later we reached the Big Beaver trail and 3 hours later we finally left the trail to cross Big Beaver above where Access Creek flow into Big Beaver. We waded across, dried our feet and charged up access creek staying north of the creek the entire time and crossed back over around 3800’.

River Crossing

Good ol' Access Creek

3 hours after leaving Big Beaver trail we arrived at the Access Creek headwaters where there are several nice camp sites. After a nice break, we started heading up the steep and loose gullies. One hour later we reached the top of the gullies and began the long heather traverse up to Luna Col. After many hours spent in the dark and then bushwhacking, it was so nice to finally get some views! The Southern Pickets definitely provided a nice boost of energy.

Access Creek Gullies

Traverse to Luna Col

The traverse took one hour and then we arrived at the incredible Luna Col.

Luna Col

About 30 minutes later we made it to the false summit where we ate burritos and Safeway chicken strips.

Half way!

To get to the true summit, I down-climbed then traversed ledges then straight up to the summit with one or two 4th class moves. The down-climb from the false summit to the ledges is scary in my opinion and requires one pretty big step down where you can’t really see where to put your foot. There are some loose holds so be careful! I did this last year and I don’t remember it being so loose.

Summit Register

Reality started to sink in about how far we still had to go, and it kind of made me sick to my stomach haha! It was now 3:30PM knew we would have to hustle to get back to the Big Beaver crossing before dark. To my surprise, we made it to the river crossing at 8PM with just enough daylight to wade without headlamps. A few minutes later we arrived at the trail and only 17 miles left.

Starting the long trip back

Big Beaver Crossing

The last 17 miles was a struggle. Many hallucinations multiple naps later, we finally arrived at the dam with the sun starting to rise.

Big Beaver Trail

Ross Lake Dam 26 hours later

The final mile up to the parking lot was painful, but we made it and then passed out in the truck for many hours. Had a nice breakfast a Mondo in Marblemount, then home to our dog.

Done!!!!!!!!!!

~ 48 miles ~ 12,200’ gain ~ 26 hours

[Gimpilator]

Nicely done. I like those trips when you're not sure if you can do it, but you find out you can.

[olderthanIusedtobe]

[awilsondc]

Having done this peak earlier this year, I have extra respect for those that can do it in a day, or 26 hours, whatever. Hell of an effort! I'm still bummed I didn't sign the summer register when I was up there. Does that mean I have to go back? Great photos too, I love the high five!

[PorcupinePhobia]

This is so metal

[RAW-dad]

Crazy, but

[Brushbuffalo]

[Kascadia]

Not to take any glory away from anyone that does this, but I think it was done last Sept by Jenni Schwegler in <24 hours.

[GaliWalker]

What a trip and despite

[Brushbuffalo]

[uww]

Awesome!

[Sammy]

[Sammy]

[Sammy]

[Sammy]