"Patterson's Peak" is a remote mountain located in the
Highwood area and Don Getty Wildland PP; it requires a
lengthy approach (thus the three-day duration for this
trip), but does not entail particularly difficult climbing.
There is in fact an old gypsum mine haul road that goes
to a SE sub-summmit; however, access to that road on
Head Creek would require a dangerous ford of Trap Creek.
Consequently, I am proposing an ascent from the NW
(which was Patterson's original -- and failed -- route).
Here's the plan:
Day 1 -- cycle up Trap Creek (aka Flat Creek) on an old
road on the N side from the gate on Hwy 541 (Highwood
Trail) out of Longview for 15 km (confluence of Trap and
Head Crks). Cycling beyond this point is problematic, so
we will switch to foot travel; two more km takes us to
'Spruce Bluff' cabin and the trail to Sullivan Pass; another
6.5 km and 400m of elevation gain would deposit us at
the tarn and meadows at the head of Trap Crk, where we
will camp (possible snow in meadows, which are ca.
7000'). Possible creek crossings and bushwhacking the
last 3-4 km. Total time ca. 8.5 hrs (2 hrs driving; 3 hrs
cycling; 3.5 hrs hiking).
Day 2: ascent of Patterson's Peak via any number of
possible routes on the NW flank of the massif; potentially
the simplest route would be to continue to the end of the
Trap Crk valley to the SW and then wander up the cwm to
the SE; 450' of possible scrambling would then take us to
the col SW of the 2650m sub-summit. Easy stroll back NE
from the col for 1.1 km to the main summit. Note:
possible deep snow in places; soft-snow avalanche
considerations in effect.
Day 3: It is possible that we might climb Patterson's with
some efficiency on Day 2; it is, after all, only 2000' from
camp to summit. If this is the case and the party feels
fresh, we could return to our vehicles on day 2.
Otherwise, we will spend a second night at the tarn and
reverse our approach route on the third day. In any case,
participants should come prepared with food and treats
for two nights and three days.
I have access to sizeable truck that can take 4 passengers
and gear, but probably only 4 bicycles.
Cancellation/Partial Attendance: Please review our participant responsibility guidelines!
Please let me know as much in advance as possible if you
can't make this trip once you've signed up so I can juggle
tents, stoves, food, cars, etc.
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Registration for this event closed on Sunday, June 19, 2011 at 07:00 PM.