Vesper Peak

5/10/15

In preparation for some summer climbs, I attended a Crevasse Rescue class on Mt Rainier on Saturday.  Since I was already halfway to Seattle, I met up with Daybreaker and his friend Christa for a hike the next day.  He suggested a hike along the Mountain Loop highway, which I didn’t even know existed.  Boy was I missing out – Washington has so many good mountains!

We decided on Vesper Peak. It was super fun!  Aside from a brief detour following footprints up the wrong chute on the way to Headlee Pass, it was a straightforward climb.   The snow was pretty soft, and especially by early afternoon, which actually made for a very quick plunge step descent. The whole way was beautiful with dramatic walls surrounding us below Vesper Peak and  wonderful views of Glacier Peak, Mt Baker, Mt Rainier, and everything else from up top.  Nothing too eventful – just a great day playing outside.

 

Christa getting her ice axe out as we prepare to go up the wrong chute - follow your map instead of footprints, ha!
Christa getting her ice axe out as we prepare to go up the wrong chute – follow your map instead of footprints, ha!
Up the correct chute to Headlee Pass
Up the correct chute to Headlee Pass
Snow slog begins.
Snow slog begins.
Through some trees. Sperry Peak on the left (top not visible)
Through some trees. Sperry Peak on the left (top not visible)
Final ridge to the summit of Vesper Peak
Final ridge to the summit of Vesper Peak
view Northwest - copper lake, Mt Baker in the distance.
view Northwest – copper lake, Mt Baker in the distance.
a lovely lunch spot
a lovely lunch spot
About 20 other people summited just after us. It got crowded very quickly.
About 20 other people summited just after us. It got crowded very quickly.
slogging down
slogging down
Looking down the valley back to the Sunrise Mine trailhead
Looking down the valley back to the Sunrise Mine trailhead

http://caltopo.com/m/546J
GPS track taken from Summit Post