September 11, 2002
Mt. Bigelow Day Climb
East Fork Buttermilk Creek
Hoodoo Pass
Mount Bigelow (8440’+)
Trip Report Summary
Region: North-Central Washington Cascades
Sub-Region: Sawtooth Mountains
Area: Lake Chelan – Sawtooth Wilderness
Starting & Ending Point: East Fork Buttermilk Creek Trailhead (East Fork Buttermilk Creek Road)
Way Points: East Fork Buttermilk Creek & Hoodoo Pass (trail hike)
Summit: Mt. Bigelow (ascent & descent via West Ridge—Upper West Slope)
Approximate Stats: 14.5 miles traveled; 3600 feet gained & lost; 4.5 hours up; 3.0 hours down.
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Full Trip Report
On this perfectly clear, warm, and introspective day, Laura and I hiked up the East Fork Buttermilk Creek road/trail to Hoodoo Pass. We then turned eastward and scrambled up the Class 1-2 west ridge and upper west slope of Mt. Bigelow.
- Jim On Mt Bigelow Summit
The gentle sunshine and wonderful visibility held us captive on the summit for 1.5 hours, allowing much binocular viewing of Cascade Peaks ranging from Mt. Stuart to Mt. Daniel to Mt. Baker to Gardner Mountain.
Among the other Sawtooth peaks, Reynolds, Oval, Star, Corax, and Martin all stood out nicely. Many familiar names filled the summit register, which indicated several ascents per year.
Photo Gallery
Click to enlarge…