Skye Michel
August is the heart of summer, and trip reports from this month of scrambling, sea kayaking, star-gazing, and more confirm that our hearts are full. Read on for some of our favorite trip reports from this month.
Alpine Scramble - McClellan Butte - 8/3
“This was mostly a pleasant trail hike followed by a short, exposed rock scramble at the summit.” - Kurt Mallery
While described as "not technically difficult, just very exposed," the photos from this alpine scramble nonetheless succeed in giving me vertigo.
Stewardship - Church Creek–Satsop Lakes - 8/4-5
“We are looking forward to seeing how our work holds up to traffic and to the coming winter. ” -Mike Forsyth
This group of five made impressive work stewarding Olympia's adopted Church Creek Trail, including removing encroaching brush, protecting exposed tree roots, building new steps, and repairing a section of trail damaged by a falling tree.
Basic Rock Climb - South Early Winter Spire/South Arête - 8/8
“Great group of climbers and beautiful scenery made for an exceptional day in the mountains.” -Kelly Bird
Complete with sunny skies, summit views, and veggie belays, this mentored lead on SEWS was a resounding success!
Packraft - John River - 8/8-17
“From a tiny native village in the tundra at the northernmost pass in Alaska, through the Brooks Range, to the mighty Koyukuk River, the John has a blend of personalities along the way.” -Logan DeGrand
These packrafters averaged 17 miles over 3-4 hours of floating a day, and when not on the water, enjoyed plenty of time to read, sleep, or hike through dense foliage.
Basic Glacier Climb - Little Tahoma/East Shoulder - 8/9-11
“To get to the summit, you have to climb up to the catwalk from the east ridge that's about 5 ft. wide. To the north there's a 500+ ft. shear drop down to the Emmons Glacier and a long, steep, dirt chute to the south.” -Patrick Mclaughlin
Most Mountaineers know that the journey isn't just about the destination. Participants on this basic glacier climb were treated to dinner games, a glowing view of the Perseid Meteor Shower, a visit from a "fat rat," stunning sunrise views, and an extra two hours of sleep on the final day.
Basic Glacier Climb - Sahale Peak/Quien Sabe Glacier - 8/9-10
"The trip had a wide variety of adventures including steep climbing, gorgeous camp sites in the alpine, slabby boulder field approach and a very crevassed glacier that required navigation skills prior to the rocky scramble to the summit." -Nomi Rachel Fuchs Montgomery
This trip report is a great reminder of the importance of careful climbing when navigating boulder fields with loose rock. Despite challenging terrain that resulted in a near miss, "the team did extremely well together and had fun."
Sea Kayak - Ross, Diablo & Gorge Lakes - 8/10
“I turned and watched glittering Ross Lake slide away out of my sight as I said a silent thank you again for another happy week of good memories.” -Lisa Johnson
Lisa's words about this sea kayak say it all: Every time I think the group can’t get better, it does... Everybody was so kind, considerate and helpful that it was just a joy to be around them in or out of our boats. I hope that there are now three more people who can understand why I say that Ross Lake is a magical place to be in a sea kayak!
Basic Rock Climb - The Tooth/South Face - 8/19
“I have been injured and not climbing much for over two years. But when Mountaineers icon John Bell asked me to rope lead a tooth climb, I couldn’t say no. We had a magnificent time! ” -Lauren Allen
Friendship, foraging, and ample frolicking were determined during this basic rock climb to be the reason why our members love The Mountaineers.
Day Hike - Pinnacle Saddle - 8/20
“Loop hike with woodland, lakes, a high pass plus pikas and marmots.” -Roseanne Lorenzana
This day hike sounds straight out of a Wordsworth poem, with reports of lake views disappearing in the "swirling fog," talus slopes that "produced marmot's whistles and pika's peeps," and a lunch stop featuring views of "billowy clouds" and a mysterious Mt. Rainier.
Basic Backpack - Lake George & Gobblers Knob - 8/23-24
“A trip with near perfect conditions for a larger group” -Mckenzie Campbell Davies
Not only did participants of this backpack enjoy soaking in the views and watercoloring the scenery, they didn't spot a single mosquito during their entire trip.
Want to see more top trip reports? Check out our Top Trip Reports Library to get ideas for next week, next month, or next year!
