Hi all. Wanted to ask for tips/ risk assessment. Thinking about doing Vesper Peak this Saturday solo, wanted to know if I'm in over my head. I'm 37 years old, 5'11 245lbs male, only been hiking a few years but I've been hiking almost weekly this summer. my hardest hikes so far are Mailbox Peak and Mt Si, McClellan Butte. Thoughts? Thanks for your attention.
Vesper Peak Trail on AllTrails
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/washington/vesper-peak-trail
The physical effort is similar to Mailbox. However the section getting up through Headlee Pass is tricky. The last section towards the summit is scrambly.
When you hiked Mt Si did you go to the top of the Haystack or turn around in the basin. The scramble up and down the Haystack would be a good test.
Also don't take any "cliff selfies" those can cause all sorts of troubles
However the section getting up through Headlee Pass is tricky.
Narrow rocky section of trail switchbacking like crazy. Tons of fist sized rock to knock loose, and not a lot of room for hikers to get out of the way. Helmet is a good idea here if there are hikers above.
If you've been to the top of McClellan Butte you should have no difficulty on Vesper. The upper slope is all nice firm slabs with no real exposure. Just pay attention at the top to make sure you go back down the same way. The creek crossing in the first mile of the trail can be challenging late in the day when there's a lot of snow runoff but there should be no difficulty this time of year.
Agree with the risk assessment as perfectly fine for your level. Thinking about and asking this tells me you will be more prepared than a lot of the people you will see up there.
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