Ref: Steven's Peak-bagging Journey
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At the junction, we follow the Whatcom Trail.
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Scramble:
RT 9.25; 5.5 up. Snass Mountain was somewhat of a spontaneous
objective. We saw the trail on a map while hiking Three Brothers a
couple of weeks ago. We drove down to Manning Park in the afternoon and
stayed at the Hampton campground; we were impressed with the sizeable
lots and the accommodations. The following morning, we had a simple
breakfast and left for the trailhead promptly. The trail is in great
shape and easy to follow, granting good progress on the steady climb to
the pass. After a quick break at a rustic campground, we located the
crude trail that veers off the beaten path and heads up the west end of
the ridge. We ascended trail segments; the steep terrain is loose in
places, but the trail improves further up. Hiking on the ridge is
enjoyable; some sections of easy scrambling add diversity. We reached
the false summit, thinking it was the top; Milan was displeased, but he
agreed
to continue to the true summit. Although the connecting ridge wasn't
long, it appeared to pose some challenge. Luckily, we were able to
bypass all difficulties. Our stay at the top was lovely; the weather
was nice. We enjoyed a lengthy lunch break while soaking in the views.
It was
tough peeling ourselves off the summit to begin the descent.
Backtracking was uneventful other than the last steep bit before the
pass; with my threadless running shoes, slipping was a concern and
required caution. I was glad to be back on the good trail. We stopped
briefly before resuming our steady, speedy descent to the parking lot.
Back at the campground, we enjoyed a warm shower and a delicious pasta
dinner. This outing was physically demanding and very rewarding!
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The trail is easy to follow and climbs steadily.
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At the pass, we veer onto a crude trail towards Snass's west ridge.
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The crude trail fades when the ascent begins.
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The terrain to gain the ridge is initially loose and steep.
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A quick pause to look for wildlife on the open slopes across.
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Punch Bowl Lake below the pass.
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The terrain improves as we near the ridge proper.
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The western view includes Mounts Dewdney (left) and Outram behind it. MacLeod Peak is the pointy one right of center.
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Looking down at the approach valley with Silvertip Mountain in the background.
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The interesting ridge is straightforward.
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Scrambling with Tulameen Mountain in the background.
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The trail to the false summit is visible in the brown scree.
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Milan negotiates some easy sections of hands-on.
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The true summit ahead.
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The crux of the traverse; another option revealed itself, climber's right from where I took this picture.
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Last stretch.
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Looking back again, the ridge displays impressive vertical drops on its north aspect.
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At the top, with Snazzy Peak front and center.
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The view west over the approach ridge.
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Northern view with Tulameen Mountain in the far left.
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South-western view towards Mount Baker in the far distance beyond Silvertip Mountain.
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View South well into the States.
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The North Cascades beyond the Canadian border.
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Back at the crux on our way down, it appears tougher than it is.
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About to dip down the steep, loose terrain to the main trail; this was my crux with treadless running shoes.
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We resume a speedy return on the main trail.
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Yummy dinner at the campground.
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