September 25-26, 1993

Kyes Peak Climbing Trip

Blanca Lake Pass
Virgin Lake
Point 7025 aka Monte Cristo Benchmark
Kyes Peak (7280’+)

—————– Trip Report Summary —————–

Region: North-Central Washington Cascades

Sub-Region: Monte Cristo Mountains

Area: Henry M. Jackson Wilderness

Starting & Ending Point: Blanca Lake Trailhead (North Fork Skykomish River Road)

Way Points: Blanca Lake Pass & Virgin Lake & Kyes Ridge (trail hike & off-trail hike & rock scramble)

Campsite: Kyes Ridge at 5500 feet

Summit: Kyes Peak (ascent & descent via South Ridge—Monte Cristo Benchmark—South Face)

Approximate Stats: 12 miles traveled; 5400 feet gained & lost.

————- Photo Gallery (click to enlarge) —————-

Columbia Peak Above Blanca Lake

Hiking Up Kyes Ridge

Bivy Camp On Kyes Ridge

Cooking Dinner On Kyes Ridge

Eric Scrambling Above Blanca Lake

Traversing Toward Kyes Peak

Looking Down On Blanca Lake

Craig, Eric, and Glacier Peak

Looking up South Ridge of Kyes Peak

Eric and Craig On South Ridge Crest

Traversing High On South Ridge

Kyes Peak Slabs and Snowfields

High On Kyes Peak

South Ridge Horn

Scrambling Up South Ridge Crest

Scrambling Up South Ridge Crest

Craig and Eric Below Kyes Peak Summit

Eric and Jim On Kyes Peak Summit

Jim and Craig On Kyes Peak Summit

View Northwest From Kyes Peak Summit

Columbia Peak From Kyes Peak Summit

Cadet Peak, Monte Cristo Peak, and Sloan Peak From Kyes Peak Summit