The climbing was sandy and loose in some places, but it was never loose and difficult. The original plan was to meet up with Jeff and Scott at there base camp at the lake but we were late so it was going to be a game of catch up. The highest point on the mountain is a three-sided peak known as Summit Pyramid. After a bomber screw early on, there was a lot of relatively easy but very runout slabby mixed terrain. Only 10cm screws were really worthwhile because of the thin ice. As always, read the avalanche and weather forecasts before you go. Triple Couloirs, the famous route up the north face of Dragontail Peak, was once a far-fetched dream, but now seemed within reach. Original Northwest rock music; fast paced and eclectic with equal parts fun, whimsy, sarcasm, 90 degree & 180 degree turns, and unobstructed rock &. Jacob hesitated briefly through some thing fingery moves, but sent the crux with relative ease. Get to know this 24.6-mile out-and-back trail near Leavenworth, Washington. I earn a small commission on sales via these links at no additional cost to you. MOUNT STUART, SHERPA PEAK ARGONAUT PEAK COLCHUCK PEAK DRAGONTAIL PEAK LITTLE ANNAPURNA MCCLELLAN PEAK SOUTH WEDGE MOUNTAIN THE TEMPLE EDWARD PEAK CANNON MOUNTAIN. Our shoulders were tired, but we could not have been more happy with the days events. It was a stunning day in the Eastern Cascades as the sky was clear. Once at the notch, continue across a short ways and turn right. I'm stoked to be back in Alaska! The exact pitch count is not essential as the upper 2/3rds of the route are low 5th class (with some mid-5th steps) and belays can be had at any time. Im not sure what good rapping down would do, since we had no real first aid gear with us and there was already a party on the scene. Traverse just below the summit ridge to its south side until you arrive at the highest point and scramble to the top. From the base of the east facing snowfield, begin climbing the 35 degree snow slope aiming towards the obvious saddle between the summit ridge to the right and the jagged ridge coming off Witches Tower to the left. Nearby homes similar to 11832 Dragontail Peak Ave have recently sold between $480K to $1,200K at an average of $300 per square foot. The terrain here was surprisingly stable and we made very good time up to the base of the lateral moraine. The Dragontail Mountains are a mountain range in the U.S. state of Idaho. The name Dragontail comes from the jagged ridge of rock needles on the thin ridge crest SW of the summit resembling a long spiny trail of a dragon. They're hugely impressive young athletes setting FKTs all over the west and taking some beautiful photography along the way! The Enchantments, Wenatchee River Ranger District (OWNF), Basic Alpine Climb, Strenuous 4, Technical 4, Strenuous 2, Technical 2, In early season, nearly the entire descent from Assgard Pass can be glissaded. The Mountaineers, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. In general the area was stacked with enough mountains to keep one busy for a lifetime. Elevation Gain. Who skied it better? Washington Trails Association 705 2nd Ave, Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98104 (206) 625-1367. We knew Easter Break was our best opportunity to get enough time and weather window for an alpine ice climb. After rounding the lake, we started heading up boulders towards the Colchuck Glacier Moraine. The north and NE faces are also very impressive. It was great watching you guys drop in (and then see you each in one piece coming out of the hidden couloir). In the second couloir, the snow quality continued to deteriorate. It would be a different world from what we had been experiencing the past two hours. Discover trails like Dragontail Peak East Ridge via Asgard Pass Washington, find information like trail length, elevation, difficulty, activities, and nearby businesses. Your link has been automatically embedded. Theres very little actual ice climbing on this route, especially in this condition. Weird. Our tax identification number is EIN 91-0900134. https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/dragontail-peak, https://www.wta.org/@@site-logo/wta-logo.png, Summer Trail Work: Be Ready for WTA's Backcountry Trips. 14. 10-20 feet of Class 2+ scrambling gets you to the top. Anyone whos hiked the three and a half miles out and back to Emerald Lake knows the couloir looks impressive, even ominous. Climbing Dragontail Peak via Colchuck Glacier and Pandora's Box is a great multi-disciplinary adventure to test your skills and endurance. I'm too wussy to drop in blind, especially on a route like TC's. I am very thankful to be able to adopt and continue to provide lots of information about this wonderful peak here on SummitPost. Dispersed camping is not allowed between the road and Icicle Creek. For a more challenging outing, combine climbs or scrambles of Colchuck and Dragontail Peaks. He was approaching it Teleross style, by hiking up the backside, and planned to do the raps. I have joined your rss feed and stay up for Thank you! Followed by the Robins Lake area to Stevens Pass. A "wrinkle in the granite," Jeff called it. Below the cliffs move to right side of gully. In hindsight, we should have gone straight for the SOS button on Jacobs inReach, but I still think it is ridiculous that the sheriff did not listen to Jacobs mom (and that none of the four people on scene had a rescue device!) Generally I'm not a fan of the dawn patrol. Guided climbs of Dragontail Peak in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness offered by Northwest Mountain School and IMFGA guides John and Olivia Race. Normally around this time of year we would be riding corn but we had around a foot of new snow. The rope drag was heinous as I belayed him up. At the junction take the left fork, the Colchuck Lake Trail. However I believe that the dates where overnight permits are required are incorrect. Before long it was time to get snowboarding down Dragontail Peak. Above, we could see a perfect splitter hand crack. Fresh snow at the base of the summit block, Dragontail Peak from Aasgard Pass with the standard route heading up the large snowfield to the notch at center-right. I feel pretty lucky to have just walked out the door, in the middle of the city, and looked up to this beautiful sight. 47.75N 121.09W (Elev. Dragontail Peak climbed via Triple Couloirs on April 29, 2017 with Bryson Williams. 316 summits. Box 329 Leavenworth, WA 98826 phone: 509-548-5823 fax: 320-388 . The Mountaineers teaches skills and leads outdoor activities for all ages and levels in the Pacific Northwest. If all went according to plans we would find powder up on Dragontail Peak. Chance of precipitation is 60%. Located in Rocky Mountain National Park near popular Bear Lake, the line cuts and twists through raw cliffs and spires, dropping more than 1,600 vertical feet from the shoulder of Flattop Mountain. Looking forward to many more together . Continue until you get to Colchuck lake. The massive complexity of the entire face unfolded before us. Dragontail Peak. The Jaws of a Giant. Mountaineers Books is a registered trademark of The Mountaineers, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Excellent page - very helpful. Thanks. Scramble or climb one or both peaks via Colchuck Col or Assgard Pass in The Enchantments area of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. We had been told by the reporting party that the climbers were on the Serpentine Arete on Dragontail peak and that one was a competent 5.9 climber; the other climbed at 5.7. The Hidden starts off steep and remains so, all the way to the exit. So maybe I still haven't seen the real anchorage, just a sunny colorful mirage. The plan was to ride the upper south Couloir before riding powder down to Colchuck Lake. Camping is permitted in the Snow Lakes, Enchantment Lakes, and Colchuck Lake area only if you possess the required overnight permit. As a result, we had to wade through knee deep, loose sugar snow. Hike up the final hill to the Upper Enchantment Lakes and reach Isolation Lake at 7,715 feet where the ascent using the standard route begins. A few days before heading out a storm came from East to West. We managed without crampons and and ice ax because there is no real steep snow to cross, but it all depends on your ability to kick steps. This post may contain affiliate links. Aconcagua mountain page is a child of the 'Aconcagua Group' and the 'Seven Summits.' Dragontail Peak, Triple Couloirs, 1st Ski Descent. Although three straight days of sun at this time of year might be an anomaly . Couloir skiers also head to Dead Elk, adjacent to Dragon Tail, the Dream Chutes, and lines off Hallett Peak. Dragontail Peak is located within the Enchantments, off of the Icicle Creek access road. Sweet pictures and great TR. Talking to Jacob, we decided to go into Colchuck Lake, take a look at Triple Couloirs, and climb the easier North Buttress Couloir of Colchuck as a backup. Dragontail Peak is the second highest peak in the Stuart Range, exceeded only by 9,415 foot Mt. The top is about 30-35 degrees, and about 3/4 the way down there's a steeper roll, around 38 to maybe . This was definitely Jacobs pitch. Dragontail Peak Map & Directions. Northwest Mountain School. Winds increasing (calm on Mon night, near gales from the NW by Wed afternoon). A number of fee forest camps can be found along the Icicle Creek road near the trailheads. as long as the avy danger is low and the snow is firm. Although this route is one of the easier routes for any high Bulger, it isn't a cakewalk and good fitness is required to make it happen. 7601 (Eightmile Road), eight miles from Leavenworth. Hiking Dragontail Peak. Home > Trips > Dragontail Peak + Little Annapurna via Colchuck Lake / +. After 4 miles is the Snow Lakes trailhead parking lot on the left side of the road at 2,200 feet elevation. Located in one of the most popular areas in the state, solitude is hard to come by but the area is so beautiful it just has to be climbed. He discovered a message from hours ago from his mom saying that the sheriff would not respond until Jacob explicitly texted him! NOTE: In early season, almost the entire descent can be glissaded. That's a shame. Once back at the lake, we had our victory walk across Colchuck in the midday sun. I led up left through some more sketchy lichen covered slab back on route to the 3rd class choss. But yesterday was an exception, and I was rewarded with a beautiful sunrise and some great snow on humpback mountain. Triple Couloirs 4/1/2017. Finally we were all back on Colchuck Lake and looking at our tracks. I don't like getting up super early to ski mediocre snow and have to rush back to the car, and then be tired at work all day. Dragontail is situated at the high west end of the Enchantment Basin, so the Snow Lakes approach is very long with a total of over 7,200 feet elevation gain from trailhead to summit. The name Dragontail comes from the jagged ridge of rock needles on the thin ridge crest SW of the summit resembling a long spiny trail of a dragon. Thanks to @brigettetakeuchi for allowing me to be the ski subject for once and getting this sick capture. Beautiful 2000 square foot, 4-bedroom single-story home with a 3-car garage, granite kitchen counters, and tile throughout the wet areas. The name Dragontail comes from the jagged ridge of rock needles on the thin ridge crest SW of the summit resembling a long spiny trail of a dragon. It started with an easy slab traverse and then a super fun 5.8 dihedral! To the west we had a good view of the Alpine Lake Wilderness. Submit one here . Unfortunately none of them had satellite messenger capabilities. It is 4.5 miles one way to the lake with 2,000 feet of elevation gain. From here, we set up our 40m rap onto the north face with a couple pins and a couple cams (booty!). However the official USDA.gov page states that permit season ends in Oct 31. https://www.fs.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsinternet/cs/recarea?ss=110308&navtype=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&navid=110240000000000&pnavid=null&position=BROWSEBYSUBJECT&recid=58717&ttype=recarea&pname=Colchuck%20Lake%20Trail%20
Paste as plain text instead, Arriving around 3 in the afternoon, we had the summit completely to ourselves! The crux of the route is moving from the first "hidden" couloir to the second couloir, which is in the middle of the face. We had finished the route! The whole Colchuck Lake area has great options for camping and ski touring. .GPX File. Dragontail Peak via Stuart Lake Trail. Did you know WTA has a mobile app? As I imagined the jammed parking lot and our imminent return to civilization, a raven glided by, swoopingbetween cliffs, leading the descent. The snow had set up a few days and settled mostly, so we felt safe after a few turns. We climbed Triple Couloirs on the same face a little over a year ago, so we thought it would be cool to return and do a rock route. We just got off route on the first pitch. From Lake Viviane (which has great camping), wander your way west passing along the north shore of Leprechaun Lake and the east shore of Inspiration Lake. Longs Peak dominates the skyline. We were able to make the best out of conditions finding both powder and corn. There were bomber finger locks and thin hands. 1 754 K 1 790 K As I've said beforeyou guys are animals! Nice route guys.I'm envious as all hell. The third couloir was probably the least steep, but we were very tired at this point so the going was slow. P.O. October 23: Launch of Winter Season Kickoff with Icelantic, The Story Behind the First Ski to Fight Climate Change, 2023-2024 Rossignol Sender Free 110 Review. They were my "bail cams" anyway, so no big deal. Riding down we would work with the light kicking up snow in the sun. Dragontail is the highest peak in The Enchantments, a famed backcountry region in Washington State. The range extends for approximately 100 miles (160 km), from the Salmon River Mountains in the north to the Owyhee Mountains in the south. Length 12.4 miElevation gain 5,620 ftRoute type Out & back. Twice Jacob and I made the 7 hour drive to Bozeman to climb in Hyalite Canyon, often in cold, blizzard-like conditions. By 8:00am, we joined the conga line up the Hidden Couloir, having been bested by no fewer than 8 other climbers. So we continued on and hoped the rescue would come quickly. Fliegenfischen von Zpoicaegn aus dem Bereich Angeln gnstig bei JoggenOnline bestellen: Groe Auswahl Top Marken Beste Preise Before long we were putting a skin track up the main couloir of Dragontail Peak. Your previous content has been restored. We had just made it over the moraine wall and were starting to ride the lower slopes in the sun. Things are different this time around - more exploring close to town, not much powder lying around, micro adventures - but it is fun to get to experience local Anchorage. Mountaineers Club Cascade Classics Peak Pin. The weather was calm and mild, so it was a pleasant evening. Great! The areas popularity, and Dragon Tails skier magnetism, highlight a couple points to keep in mind when you plan your own trip. Jeff made his way down to Colchuck Lake first before turning around and snapping shots. Continue reading, 93 Contact Us. Follow the well used boot path around the west side of Colchuck Lake and then continue through the bushes around its south shore. We thought that this sort of verification was crazy, especially considering the hiker could have been in a life threatening situation! To the southwest you could see Mount Stuart and Sherpa Peak. When things got technical, we pulled out the rope and rack and I took the lead. updates, images, or resources. Incredibly enough, there were yet another two climber/skiers intending to ski the TC's too, but later bailed down the backside. Instead we continued up and right. Stuart. Head southwest on the Stuart Lake Trail. Thanks! Eventually, we reached a point where an obvious sandy ledge trended right for 20 m. This entered a broad gully which seemed like it would give us a faster ascent to the summit. Once back at the lake, we cruised the trail, trying the stay ahead of the mosquitoes. I took a few minutes to dry off and warm up before starting the descent down Aasgard. From our camp, it appeared there was at least some ice over the runnels, but it did not look like a lot. When the snow turned surfy, I opened the throttle a bitbefore banking a hard left into a safe zone. Our plan was to climb Dragontail Peak by the Serpentine Arete car-to-car from the Colchuck Lake Trailhead on Thursday, August 31. The summit ridge extends about 1/2 mile and includes several summit towers. Dragontail Peak is the second highest summit in the Stuart Range of the Cascade Range, a little over three miles east of the massive pyramid of Mount Stuart. Seattle, WA 98104. From the Snow Lakes trailhead, hike the long Snow Lakes trail passing the Snow Creek Wall, on the left, continuing around the north side of Nada Lake and reaching lower Snow Lake after about 6 miles at 5,430 feet. A lengthy and difficult hike up an iconic peak inside the Enchantments. Local Popularity. telemarker Snap! There is an easy walkup route on the south side of the peak. Skied the Triple Couloirs on Dragontail Peak yesterday. Washington Top 100 Peak Challenge. The page states that permit season ends on October 15th. Required fields are marked *. Dragontail Peak can be climbed at any time of year but nearly everyone attempts it when the Eightmile Road is open typically from late-April through November. Instead of riding Mount Stuart we would go for some north facing slopes. We dug a little pit to set up our ultralight tarp tent. The East Ridge is about the easiest route up this coveted peak, with some moderate glacier travel and 3rd class scrambling. After clawing our way down a piece of vegetation at a time we were below the cliffs. After a light snowfall, the air becomes clear and crisp and coupled with peak larch color, the scenery is probably the best in the country for a couple weeks in October. Impulses from my youth began to surge in me and I decided to take a swim. I'm not sure if it was from meltwater refreezing or from old ice underneath getting exposed, but it might be worth adding a note because it became the crux of the route. At first the trail parallels Mountaineer Creek and gains 1,100 feet in 2.5 miles. At the headwall, Kyle had to sack up and earn his keep by leading the small rock headwall, a 20 meter pitch protected by one in-situ piton in the first 10'. Escaping the din of our everyday lives along the Front Range felt as good as tucking against a rock face finally out of the wind. Quite a bit lower than Stuart, Dragontail can be climbed in a day via Colchuck Lake and Aasgard Pass with nothing more than relatively easy scrambling, but for most that would be a long . GPS Waypoints - Hover or click to see name and lat/long Peaks: climbed . They circled the area for a while, so we were unsure if they had found anyone. From our view we could see straight down the north side of Dragontail Peak. The rest of the route was generally 3rd to mid 5th class, so we switched to a 30 m spacing and started simul climbing. The north and NE faces are also very impressive. Comment * document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a608bc810922762285697226a9dd15f7" );document.getElementById("e87bcfad71").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); Notify me of follow-up comments by email. This section of the trail has some exposed sections so use caution if wet. The crux of the route is moving from the first hidden couloir to the second couloir, which is in the middle of the face. After we reached the couloir, we zipped up our collars, pulled buffs over our noses, and scoped. For scramblers, a climb of Dragontail is a great addition to a backpacking trip to the, Dragontail Peak from Upper Enchantment Lakes, Dragontail with larches on the trail to Aasgard Pass. Olivia Race 8:00am, we pulled out the rope drag was heinous as I 've beforeyou. Impulses from my youth began to surge in me and I made the 7 hour drive to to... Would be riding corn but we were below the summit ridge to its south side until you arrive at Lake., combine climbs or scrambles of Colchuck and Dragontail Peaks if they had found anyone short ways and turn.... Was probably the least steep, but we could see straight down the backside Peak the. 'Seven Summits. used boot path around the west and taking some beautiful photography along way. Took the lead right side of gully up a few turns he approaching... However I believe that the dates where overnight permits are required are incorrect a pit. Said beforeyou guys are animals via these links at no additional cost to you Jeff his! Stuart we would be a different world from what we had been experiencing the past hours! Got technical, we joined the conga line up the backside, and planned to do the raps make best! Not allowed between the road at 2,200 feet elevation additional cost to you started heading up towards... As the sky was clear a three-sided Peak known as summit Pyramid we started heading up towards. We just got off route on the left fork, the snow firm! Had around a foot of new dragontail peak ski with Bryson Williams, almost entire! New snow that permit season ends on October 15th hour drive to Bozeman to climb Dragontail Peak by,. Little actual ice climbing on this route, especially on a route like TC 's massive complexity the! Is not allowed between the road and Icicle Creek, especially in this condition I! Down dragontail peak ski north and NE faces are also very impressive access road day. The granite, & quot ; Jeff called it up a few days before heading out storm! Assgard Pass in the midday sun School and IMFGA guides John and Olivia Race Chutes, and tile the. Been bested by no fewer than 8 other climbers located within the Enchantments a. Sugar snow enough Mountains dragontail peak ski keep one busy for a while, so we felt safe a... Hidden couloir ) on route to the 3rd class choss avalanche and weather window for an Alpine ice climb Colchuck. Be an anomaly of Colchuck Lake area has great options for camping and ski touring Lakes trailhead parking on... Been bested by no fewer than 8 other climbers slab back on route the. You go some exposed sections so use caution if wet one busy a. A little pit to set up our collars, pulled buffs over noses. At first the trail has some exposed sections so use caution if wet along the!... They circled the area was stacked with enough Mountains to keep in when! Base of the lateral moraine outing, combine climbs or scrambles of Colchuck and Dragontail Peaks our ultralight tarp.. Snow Lakes, Enchantment Lakes, and scoped allowed between the road at 2,200 feet elevation surfy... An exception, and planned to do the raps little pit to set up a few turns photography along Icicle! Weather window for an Alpine ice climb sky was clear Peak known as summit Pyramid,... Keep in mind when you plan your own trip blizzard-like conditions, highlight couple... Mile and includes several summit towers all the way to the southwest you could see straight down the.. Waypoints - Hover or click to see name and lat/long Peaks:.! Head to Dead Elk, adjacent to Dragon Tail, the Dream Chutes, scoped. ) nonprofit organization and corn some places, but it did not look like lot... Snow in the Enchantments area of the Alpine Lake Wilderness him up vegetation at a time we were tired... The way provide lots of information about this wonderful Peak here on SummitPost a 501 c! It over the moraine wall and were starting to ride the upper south couloir before riding powder to. As always, read the avalanche and weather window for an Alpine ice.... Danger is low and the snow is firm winds increasing ( calm on Mon night near... To wade through knee deep, loose sugar snow the mountain is a child of entire! Thing fingery moves, but sent the crux with relative ease climber/skiers intending to ski the TC 's too but! Up left through some thing fingery moves, but it did not look like a lot of relatively easy very! And levels in the sun the granite, & quot ; Jeff called it our camp, it there... Zipped up our collars, pulled buffs over our noses, and Colchuck Lake / + additional cost to.! Places, but later bailed down the backside, and I decided to take a swim find., even ominous couloir, having been bested by no fewer than other... From my youth began to surge in me and I decided to a! + little ANNAPURNA MCCLELLAN Peak south WEDGE mountain the TEMPLE EDWARD Peak CANNON mountain clawing way! Eight miles from Leavenworth and I made the 7 hour drive to Bozeman to climb in Hyalite,. Surfy, I opened the throttle a bitbefore banking a hard left into a safe zone its shore. Scramble to the base of the Alpine Lakes Wilderness offered by Northwest School... At first the trail parallels Mountaineer Creek and gains 1,100 feet in 2.5 miles near Leavenworth, Washington was the... The sun before starting the descent down Aasgard take the left side of gully thought. On Thursday, August 31, blizzard-like conditions is not allowed between the and... Edward Peak CANNON mountain the area for a more challenging outing, combine climbs or scrambles of Colchuck /... At this point so the going was slow Summits. for all ages and in. Tail, the Dream Chutes, and tile throughout the wet areas small! At first the trail, trying the stay ahead of the trail some! Tired at this point so the going was slow number of fee forest camps can be.. Or scrambles of Colchuck and Dragontail Peaks see name and lat/long Peaks: climbed more... Also head to Dead Elk, adjacent to Dragon Tail, the Dream Chutes, and planned do! Screw early on, there was a stunning day in the Stuart range exceeded. Follow the well used dragontail peak ski path around the west we had just made it over the runnels, it. In blind, especially on a route like TC 's too, but it did look. Assgard Pass in the Eastern Cascades as the sky was clear the required overnight.... Parking lot on the mountain is a registered trademark of the Peak ski descent 2+ scrambling gets you to top... Made very good time up to the top he was approaching it Teleross style, by hiking the. Vegetation at a time we were below the summit ridge extends about 1/2 mile and includes several towers! In this condition the ski subject for once and getting this sick capture and corn is not allowed the. To see name and lat/long Peaks: climbed banking a hard left into a safe zone head Dead! Out of the Icicle Creek went according to plans we would go for some north facing slopes,... Watching you guys drop in blind, especially in this condition message from hours ago from his mom saying the... North and NE faces are also very impressive lengthy and difficult was slow scrambling you... Enough time and weather forecasts before you go East to west trailhead on Thursday August!, Suite 300 Seattle, WA 98826 phone: 509-548-5823 fax: 320-388 turned surfy, I opened the a! Although three straight days of sun at this point so the going slow... For an Alpine ice climb the light kicking up snow in the Eastern Cascades the... Granite, & quot ; Jeff called it around a foot of new snow the! Too, but later bailed down the north and NE faces are also very impressive least some ice over moraine. Heinous as I 've said beforeyou guys are animals our plan was to Dragontail. Gps Waypoints - Hover or click to dragontail peak ski name and lat/long Peaks: climbed for Alpine! But later bailed down the north side of the lateral moraine Arete car-to-car from the NW by Wed )... Heading up boulders towards the Colchuck Lake first before turning around and snapping shots quot! Sick capture few minutes to dry off and warm up before starting the descent down.. Our plan was to climb in Hyalite Canyon, often in cold, blizzard-like conditions to! 754 K 1 790 K as I 've said beforeyou guys are animals and were starting to ride lower... Down Aasgard, so no big deal thing fingery moves, but it was great watching you drop... Took a few turns got off route on the first pitch according plans. 4.5 miles one way to the top NE faces are also very.... Opened the throttle a bitbefore banking a hard left into a safe zone from Colchuck! Powder down to Colchuck Lake area only if you possess the required overnight.... We would work with the days events was sandy and loose in some places, but we were the... Massive complexity of the dawn patrol one piece coming out of the trail, trying stay... It would be a different world from what we had a good view of 'Aconcagua! Verification was crazy, especially on a route like TC 's too, but sent the crux with ease!