DeRoux Peak

December 16, 2014; 9 miles RT, 2995’ gain, 7.5 hours RT.
The road into DeRoux Campground past 29 Pines had a solid sheet of ice with several inches of snow covering it, making for a slick drive in; it was much worse, and slower on our way out. It seemed likely there was a recent period of freezing rain. Areas of the trail were similar. Light snow flurries fell all day with clouds blocking any substantial views. Still it was an enjoyable scramble.
From DeRoux campground (7:30 a.m.) we followed the well-defined trail, having to navigate around a number of downed trees, up to the ridge and 5,000’. From there we pretty much stayed on top of the ridge, or on its south side, until the steepness/rocks pushed us right of the ridge and onto an old trail. We followed the trail a few hundred feet and then ascended left directly to the ridge and approximately 6,000’.
Cornices were starting to build but of no significance. Visibility was poor with wind and snow. We summited at 11:25 a.m., added layers and then descended to the false summit where we hung our ice axes on a small tree for a holiday photo. We were back to the ridge at 1:25 and decided to skip Koppen due to the time of day and wanting daylight to drive out the Teanaway River Road.
Snowshoes were not needed (we left them in the car). Some had micro spikes, some crampons. While the micro spikes worked, there were steep areas on snow and ice where travel would have been easier and more confident with crampons.
Back to the cars by 3:00 p.m.