2015-04-26 - Teanaway and Iron Peaks
Diana, Adam, and I made our way out to the Teanaway in search of good weather and mountains to climb. This was our Plan C itinerary after weather and trail closures put the kibosh on our original plans. In a way I'm glad we went East. This turned out to be a rocking good time, for sure!
Starting at the road by the Del Roux campground, our route took us up the Iron Peak trail. We hit consistent snow at 5600ft and turned uphill on moderate terrain up toward the Iron/Teanaway saddle. As we approached, the SW aspect of Teanaway began to look like a lot of fun and we veered left up a scree field. We hadn't intended to take this route, and weren't entirely sure it would go. Thankfully it went and it ended up being a class 3 scramble, with some choss, ice, and snow, and took us to the summit ridgeline. Here we saw the first people of the day, a group coming down the traditional snow field route.
After enjoying gorgeous views and lunch at the top, we descended via the SE snowfield down to the saddle.
The route to Iron Peak is a straightforward ridge walk, mostly on snow. Snow was compact and we didn't need traction or snow shoes.
The south sides of nearby slopes are bare; north slopes mixed snow conditions. Weather was mostly overcast and the clouds remained high providing expansive views of nearby peaks, including Stewart and much of the Enchantments. The cloud level throughout the day was just above Little Tahoma.
Iron looks like a really fun ski tour through the trees.
Read MoreStarting at the road by the Del Roux campground, our route took us up the Iron Peak trail. We hit consistent snow at 5600ft and turned uphill on moderate terrain up toward the Iron/Teanaway saddle. As we approached, the SW aspect of Teanaway began to look like a lot of fun and we veered left up a scree field. We hadn't intended to take this route, and weren't entirely sure it would go. Thankfully it went and it ended up being a class 3 scramble, with some choss, ice, and snow, and took us to the summit ridgeline. Here we saw the first people of the day, a group coming down the traditional snow field route.
After enjoying gorgeous views and lunch at the top, we descended via the SE snowfield down to the saddle.
The route to Iron Peak is a straightforward ridge walk, mostly on snow. Snow was compact and we didn't need traction or snow shoes.
The south sides of nearby slopes are bare; north slopes mixed snow conditions. Weather was mostly overcast and the clouds remained high providing expansive views of nearby peaks, including Stewart and much of the Enchantments. The cloud level throughout the day was just above Little Tahoma.
Iron looks like a really fun ski tour through the trees.
Diana, about 2/3 up the SW aspect of Teanaway. My camera died after this.
Stoke level: high. Ready to head up the trail.
Stoke level remains high up toward the saddle.
Trail begins to become consistently snowy at 5600ft. There were some large patches of snow getting to this point.
Adam calling his shot.
Top of the scree field, at the beginning of the scramble route.
Views of Rainier abound from the trail.
Diana pointing at something cool, about 1/3 way up the SW aspect of Teanaway.
Stoke level: super high. Adam in the SW aspect of Teanaway.
Second destination. The ridge route looks easy from here.
Adam, pointing out the summit ridgeline on Teanaway.
