Columbia Peak, PNW, 9/25/06

We parked cars at Barlow Pass, then got our bikes out for the long road that leads to the trailhead (gated road). The bike ride goes gradually uphill, and took me about 40 minutes.

We started from the cars at about 7:15. It was veeerrry cold.

I was warm by the time I got to the town of Monte Cristo though.

There were a few people up and about in town. We locked up our bikes on the rack and got going on the trail at about 8AM.

The trail starts out in moist and cool forest and goes quickly... until you get to Poodle Dog Pass, and all the blueberries!

They are big and juicy! (And the trail muddy)

Neither one of us remembered to bring a route description. Oh well, we have a map and our heads, so we make do. Here is Scott scouting out a route.

shroom shot

We're trying to figure out if we go the right or left of this ridge. At about 5400 feet elevation, there are several 'climber's trail' paths leading down into the left side of the ridge, and this is the route we eventually take, down across boulder fields and then making our way up the ridge a little farther down.

If you can see this view, you've gone to far on the regular trail. Turn around and go back to the other side of the ridge.

Here we are making our way across the left side of the ridge. I think there were a few cairns here.

Eventually, we are on top and start hiking along the ridge. With the views all around, this part is fun!

You can see a little trail here.

There is a nice view of Silver Lake snug in it's bowl from the ridge.

Views of mountain range to the South also.

And views of Twin Lakes of course.

We're getting a better look at our route. Eventually, I make it to the bottom left of the top 'band' in the rock.

The ridge walk continues very pleasantly with gorgeous views of mountains.

and a pretty red yellowy hillside to walk in... see Scott on the trail.

Mt. Baker and the Wilman Peaks.

Mt. Rainier and peaks to the south.

We find another cairn.

Here we are at that rock wall we saw jutting out from down below, below the high band. Here Scott is scouting a way around it. We ended up going left of this rock wall, but we tried right first.

This is the route we took to the left of the rock ridge.

Self -portrait. The rocks are actually arranged into a nice 'easy chair'. I'm wearing my down jacket and hat, but it is very nice and sunny out. I just want to be toasty while I'm sitting and enjoying the view.

Self - portrait. Enjoying the sunshine and views while waiting for Scott to summit.

I had a nice view while I was waiting. These are the Olympics off in the distance! I can the the Brothers.

Every now and then, I glance up to see if I can pick out Scott among the rocks above. I thought I heard him whistle, so I responded with my plastic whistle. Then I hear marmots whistling for the next half hour. I think they thought I was talking to them. Sorry marmots!

I am captivated by the lakes down below. The sun and wind is making shimmery waves.

Still captivated! I took alot of pictures.

Some mountains off in the distance. I took a compass bearing on the one farthest left.

Gorgeous and shimmery!

Going down the rocky gully. It's not too bad really. The rocks are solid and you don't feel like the whole thing is going to come down.

Looking down the tricky section.

Scott going down.

Scott cleaning off the rock ledges for me.

Looking back from where we came. The tricky section is above left of the snow, then the rocky gully above.

Scott and the shimmery lakes.

Nice ridge.

We decide to bushwack down to the lakes for a swim. Theres Scott heading down.