Rock and Snow Skills Test

Field trip: Alpine Scrambling Equivalency

Rock and Snow Skills Test - Silver Peak

A one-day scramble up a mountain with steep snow and steep rock to test rock travel and snow travel skills for people applying for Scramble equivalency.

  • Moderate
  • Moderate
  • Mileage: 8.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 1,900 ft
  • Pace: Slow to moderate, allowing for practice as we go

7:30am, Traveler’s Rest south side parking lot.  Arrive earlier if wish to use the facilities.  We will get into ideally 2-3 road worthy vehicles to drive to or near Windy Pass PCT TH.

Earlier option to meet for carpooling at Tibbetts Valley Park, 6:45am.  See details in group email. 

A day trip in the Snoqualmie Pass area starting from the Windy Pass TH.  We will work our way up the north slopes of Silver Peak, aiming for the snow that holds in the vicinity of Silver Lining.  After practicing snow skills, depending on weather conditions and group interest, we will either continue to the summit of Silver Peak and then descend the peak via the more standard south ridge and PCT.  Alternately, we will work along the NW ridge of Silver, finding some rock for practice, and descend back to the cars directly, avoiding trail travel entirely.
Beyond navigating as a team, we will aim first to find a good snow slope for practicing ice axe skills including walking in balance, self belay, self arrest, and glissade.  We will then track down some rock to practice rock travel skills.  We will also provide all participants with a downclimb kit, and then instruct in the Mounties process for doing a protected downclimb.  We may or may not achieve an actual summit, as our main mission is skills practice and general intro to the Mounties and the scramble program.  

Route/Place

Silver Peak


Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

Ice Ax

Mountaineering Boots

Helmet

Scramble pack with 10 essentials, and gear and gloves for sliding in the snow

Trip Reports