Trip Report
Basic Alpine Climb - Dragontail Peak/Colchuck Col
Successful mid-week climb of the basic alpine route of Dragontail.
Curtis Stock
- Tue, Jun 12, 2018
- Basic Alpine Climb - Dragontail Peak/Colchuck Col
- Colchuck & Dragontail Peaks
- Climbing
- Successful
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- Road suitable for all vehicles
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Good cramponing up Colchuck Glacier. Snow was softening on the ascent below Pandora’s Box but crampons useful for securely kicking steps. Snow was even softer descending from Pandora’s Box. Existing snow steps were used but needed improvement on the down climb. Good cramponing for the traverse over to the true summit.
Descended via Aasgard Pass. Did not use crampons, as we followed existing footpath and snow was soft enough for good plunge-stepping. Followed cairns to the Colchuck Lake trail.
Time: 14h car to car.
https://www.gaiagps.com/datasummary/track/85b0c9d91e331bb929e8cca0af188000e4b7e8f4/
Start Location: Stuart Lake TH
End Location: Stuart Lake TH
Elevation Gain: 5420ft
General Activity Notes:
Only party on this route. Party of 2 followed us up Colchuck Glacier to climb Colchuck Peak. Several parties ascended the scramble route via Aasgard Pass
Approach conditions:
Stuart Lake/Colchuck Lake trails snow-free to Colchuck Lake.
Permits required?
NW Forest Pass.
Driving / parking notes:
Plenty of parking available at Stuart Lake TH.
Equipment notes:
Carried and used ice axe and crampons. Carried but did not use 30m rope.
Required Skills:
Snow climbing skills.
Weather Notes:
Mostly high overcast, with some sun breaks. Breezy at Colchuck Col but no wind on Dragontail summit.
Flora and Fauna:
We encountered several mountain goats – one as we left the Colchuck Lake trail to ascend Colchuck Glacier and one on the descent to Aasgard Pass. No issues experienced but the goats seemed pretty used to humans.