Trip Date: June 4, 2006
Freedom Peak Day Climb
Stafford Creek
Freedom Peak aka Little Navaho Peak (6442 ft)
Summary Trip Report
Region: Central Washington Cascades
Sub-Region: Teanaway Mountains
Area: Okanogan–Wenatchee National Forest
Starting & Ending Point: Stafford Creek Trailhead on Stafford Creek Road (Elev. 3100 feet)
Way Points: Stafford Creek & Freedom Creek & Southeast Freedom Saddle (trail hike & off-trail hike & rock scramble)
Summit: Freedom Peak (rock scramble via Southeast Ridge)
Approximate Stats: 6 miles traveled; 3400 feet gained & lost; 2.9 hours up; 1.9 hours down.
Full Trip Report
I’ve always been a staunch believer in the Teanaway rainshadow, but it was difficult to keep the faith this morning, as the rain was coming down hard. Fortunately, Kevin was game to get out, regardless of weather. We set our goals low: Freedom Peak (aka Little Navaho Peak), up Stafford Creek. As it turned out, we needn’t have worried; there was perhaps only 15 minutes of spitting rain, and a good hour of mostly sunny skies. otherwise, it was merely cloudy.
It was remarkable how little snow is left on the south and west facing slopes, even at 6500 feet. Likewise, how high all the creeks are flowing. Usually mellow Stafford Creek was raging. This didn’t look like a good time to attempt any fords.
Photo Gallery
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