April 24, 1999
Jim Hill Mountain Snowshoe Climb
Lanham Lake
Jim Hill Ridge Saddle
Jim Hill Mountain (6765′)
Trip Report Summary
Region: Central Washington Cascades
Sub-Region: Upper Icicle Mountains
Area: Okanogan–Wenatchee National Forest
Starting & Ending Point: Lanham Lake Trailhead on Highway 2 (Elev. 3000 feet)
Way Points: Lanham Creek & Lanham Lake & Jim Hill Ridge Saddle & Jim Hill Mountain summit notch (snowshoe hike & snowshoe climb); Jim Hill Mountain summit (snow climb & rock scramble)
Summit: Jim Hill Mountain (ascent & descent via North Ridge—East Arete)
Approximate Stats: 6 miles traveled; 3900 feet gained & lost; 4.3 hours up.
Full Trip Report
Laura, Bob, Carolyn, and Greg joined me on a springtime snowshoe trip to Jim Hill Mountain in the Upper Icicle Mountains near Stevens Pass. We parked near the Lanham Lake Trailhead and headed up through deep forest alongside Lanham Creek. Upon reaching Lanham Lake (1.3 hours + 1200 feet from TH), we got a nice view of our objective peak.
At the lake, we turned east and snowshoed up a steep, forested hillslope to gain a 5500-foot saddle in the long, sweeping north ridge of Jim Hill Mountain. We then continued directly up the ridge crest, which overlooks Henry Creek Bowl—a favorite haunt of backcountry skiers.
Where the ridge crest melds into the mountain’s north face, we angled to the right and gained a 6650-foot snowy notch. This notch separates the west (true) summit from the lower east summit known as “Jim Hill Knob.” (Frustratingly, my camera ran out of film at this point!)
While everyone else waited below, Laura and I doffed our snowshoes made the final summit push. This involved climbing a short but very steep face, then traversing a thrillingly exposed rock arete. We topped out in mid-afternoon (4.3 hours from TH) and enjoyed widespread views in all directions.
Related Posts
Henry Creek Bowl + Jim Hill Ridge Ski Tour – April 26, 2008
Jim Hill Mtn via Lanham Lake—North Ridge—West Arete – May 24, 2020
Photo Gallery
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