Trip Date: September 26-28, 2008
GOLDEN LARCH OUTING: UPPER METHOW MOUNTAINS
Tower Mountain & Golden Horn Climbing Trip
Cutthroat Pass
Granite Pass
Snowy Lakes
Golden Horn (8366′)
Tower Mountain (8444′)
Trip Report Summary
Region: Northeastern Washington Cascades
Sub-Region: Upper Methow Mountains
Area: North Cascades Scenic Highway Corridor
Starting & Ending Point: PCT-Northbound Trailhead at Rainy Pass on Highway 20 (Elev. 4850 feet)
Way Points: Porcupine Creek & Porcupine Basin & Cutthroat Pass & Granite Pass & Snowy Creek Meadow & Lower Snowy Lake & Upper Snowy Lake (trail hike)
Campsite: Upper Snowy Lake saddle (Elev. 6900 feet)
Summit: Golden Horn (off-trail hike & rock climb via Southwest Slope—Southwest Gully; descent via Northwest Gully—Southwest Slope)
Sidetrip: Lower Snowy Lake & Tower Basin (trail hike & off-trail hike & rock scramble)
Summit: Tower Mountain (rock scramble via West Ridge—Southwest Gully—West Face)
Approximate Stats: 26 miles traveled; 5800 feet gained & lost.
Full Trip Report
I spent a wonderful weekend in the beautiful Snowy Lakes area with Eileen, Beth, Lisa, and John A. This was my third trip with Lisa, who had rescued me from a snowy ditch on the Barclay Creek Road several years ago, and my first trip with John. We enjoyed their company greatly.
Day 1: Trailhead to Snowy Lakes
On Friday, we hiked in about 11 miles and set up camp in the grassy saddle above Upper Snowy Lake (6.0 hours from TH). Larch trees were just starting to turn gold, so this became known as “The Turning Larch Trip.” The night was clear, chilly, and surprisingly wind-free.
- Golden Horn from Snowy Lakes
- Dinnertime In Camp
- Fire Over Tower Mountain
Day 2 (AM): Golden Horn Summit Climb
On Saturday, we awoke to high clouds and winds aloft. The clouds created some stunning light shows as we headed out early for Golden Horn.
- Morning View Of Black Peak and Mt Hardy
- Snowy Lakes from Golden Horn ridge
The ascent went quickly to the granitic summit horn, which involved a very short Class 4 climb on frosty rock. We couldn’t stay long on the frigid summit (2.5 hours from camp).
- Eileen, Lisa, and Beth On Golden Horn
- John and Jim On Golden Horn
A 35-foot rappel got us down the north side to where we could hike back to camp for lunch.
Day 2 (PM): Tower Mountain Summit Climb
After lunch, we all headed out for Tower Mountain. In contrast to Golden Horn, this peak involves a fairly long, convoluted, and intriguing route to the summit, starting with a traverse to Tower Basin.
- Heading For Tower Mountain
We got off course at one point by exiting the main (west) gully too early, then ending up on exposed snow-covered ledges. We eventually got ourselves righted, and the rest of the climb was pleasant Class 3 rock.
- Jim On Striking Generarme (photo By John)
- Nearing Summit Of Tower Mountain
The summit (3.5 hours from camp) is adorned with a giant cairn but no register.
- Group On Tower Mtn Summit
- Golden Horn, Azurite Peak, and Mt Ballard From Tower Mountain
We returned to camp at sunset and later savored a long dinner under vividly starry skies.
Day 3: Snowy Lakes to Trailhead
On Sunday, we hiked out at a leisurely pace. The day turned out to be quite warm—almost summery by the time we reached the trailhead (5.5 hours from camp). We estimated that, at this rate, it will be another week or two before the larches reach full color.
Photo Gallery
Click to enlarge…
