| Ref: Bob
Spirko's Road not taken |
|
 |
|
|
A faint trail along
Ranger Creek. |
| Scramble: RT 9.0; 4.5 up. Rain was in the
forecast so we
packed warm layers. From the start, we got drenched from hiking through
the undergrowth. We did find a faint trail along climber's
left of Ranger Creek. It travels at the edge of the alder, a slight
distance away from the creek. When the drainage narrows, the trail
becomes
more distinct and leads to the ladder and waterfall mentioned by
Bob. Thereafter, we followed the sometimes dry creek bed to the back of
the draw.
We recognized the ascent ridge but could not distinguish the narrow
ascent gully in the trees. We kept going along the creek bed and
figured
we could get to the ascent ridge from the north-east side. Indeed, at
treeline, we
aimed for the shoulder of the ridge; no problem. This turned out
great as we managed to avoid going up in wet shrubs. The hike to the
top is pleasant. We were lucky and had a very nice summit break with no
wind. We enjoyed familiar sights shrouded in clouds. After almost an
hour, we reluctantly left the top. Nearing treeline, we spotted Bob's
gully and followed it. Straight and steep we arrived at the creek bed
in
no time at all! We were thankful it still wasn't raining for the
remainder of the return. This scramble is straightforward but not
without effort! |
|
 |
|
I don't really want
to step on that. |
|
 |
|
|
The ladder has been
fixed! |
|
|
 |
|
|
The waterfall comes
out of the rock. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Following the dry
creek bed. |
|
|
 |
|
|
The ascent ridge
comes into view. |
|
|
 |
|
|
We passed the
described ascent gully, keeping to the creek bed. |
|
|
 |
|
|
The creek bed offers
good and dry travel. |
|
|
 |
|
|
We aimed for the
shoulder from the north-east aspect. |
|
|
 |
|
|
The easy ascent
ridge. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Looking back. |
|
|
 |
|
|
The false summit. |
|
|
 |
|
|
True summit ahead. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Yahoo! |
|
|
 |
|
|
Some clouds but
still a stunning view. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Boogie summit dance. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Time to head back. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Last look at both
summits. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Straight down the
swath in the forest. |
|
|
 |
|
|
Back in the creek
bed. |
| Back
to home page |
|
|