| Ref: Alan Kane's
Scrambles
in the Canadian Rockies |
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Crossing King Creek.
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| Scramble: RT
8.0; 4.5 up. Awesome weather, great
scramble and view.
We were expecting some difficulty on the approach after reading several
trip reports but found it quite straightforward and pleasant. The first
bit in the canyon is easy to follow and offers good photo opportunities
at several (nearly ten) creek crossings; bring poles! At the
obvious junction, we crossed the creek and found a good trail on the
east side of the drainage heading north. The trail stayed above the
alder mostly on the
same side until higher up, where it opens up. At the head of the creek,
the grassy slope and headwall are welcoming sights. The upper mountain
was still snowbound and strewn with avalanche debris. We decided to
avoid the gully. The ascent in the snow wasn't bad, the snow was soft
and offered good purchase. The last stretch to the top was a
little intimidating. A section sluffed every footstep, as we stomped
nice
foot holds down to ice. Once at the top, we took several pictures. The
increasing wind and lack of room made for a short stay. We carefully
backtracked
on ever softening snow. We took a break on the grassy slope to dry our
socks. Returning is surprisingly fast. We got
good laughs; higher water made the crossings slightly more exciting in
the afternoon! We liked Mount Hood. |
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Several log crossings test our balance.
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Along the creek, vertical walls still hold blue ice.
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At the junction, we cross the creek and head north (left) on a good trail.
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The terrain opens up.
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The headwall, a beautiful goat area.
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Looking back at the fine grassy approach.
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Getting closer to the upper mountain.
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A close up view of our route to the summit ridge.
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Avoiding the gully.
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Aiming for the avalanche debris to climb to the ridge.
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Fabrice is keeping some distance.
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Nearing the summit ridge.
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Looking back.
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The summit ridge.
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Staying close to the rock for the last bit.
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Voilą! At the top with Mount Packenham behind me.
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The ascent ridge and Mount Brock.
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Heading back down.
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Many, many goats around the headwall.
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We enjoyed funny moments on the way back down King Creek. |
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The water is flowing faster! |
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Concentration required... |
| Back to home page |
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