Hannegan Peak

The trip to Hannegan Peak on May 2 was an excellent snow scramble with wonderful views in every direction. This should continue to be a good snow scramble for at least a couple more weeks, but there is one snow bridge on the trail that may become unsafe fairly soon. From the pass to the summit, we were mostly sinking in up to our knees, and I had my doubts as to whether we would find a good place to practice self-arrest and glissading, but we did find a place just west of the summit where we could do such practice, although conditions weren't conducive to doing the head-first arrests. We also were able to do some good glissades on the steeper slopes on the way back to the pass.

Wildlife seen: one mountain goat. Wildlife heard: lots of blue grouse, also Pacific wrens, varied thrushes.

All were very impressed with the views. There is a place just above 5600' where the slope eases and the already stunning views open up some more. The main comment I heard from almost everyone at that point was simply "Wow!"