Trip Date: June 12, 2011
Mt. Hardy Day Climb
Swamp Creek
Mount Hardy (8080’+)
Trip Report Summary
Region: Northeastern Washington Cascades
Sub-Region: Upper Methow Mountains
Area: North Cascades Scenic Highway Corridor
Starting & Ending Point: Swamp Creek pullout on Highway 20 (Elev. 3950 feet)
Way Points: Swamp Creek Vehicle Bridge & Swamp Creek slope (off-trail hike & snow hike)
Summit: Mt. Hardy (snow climb via South Ridge—South Face)
Approximate Stats: 4 miles traveled; 4200 feet gained & lost; 4.0 hours up; 2.9 hours down.
Related Posts
Mount Hardy via Southeast Slope—South Face – September 2018
Mount Hardy attempt via Southeast Slope – September 2010
Full Trip Report
For the second part of our double-header weekend in the Rainy Pass / Washington Pass area last weekend, Eileen and I parked at the Swamp Creek pullout on Hwy 20, walked across the bridge, and headed into the forest. After an initial stretch of thick trees, we soon found ourselves in open forest on a northeast-trending rib between two creeks. This extended upward for 1000 feet, then transitioned into an unpleasant burn area for another 500 feet. At 5700 feet, we encountered continuous snow cover and very enjoyable terrain on a sweeping ridge.
- Looking Up South Ridge Of Mt Hardy
I left Eileen to continue at her own pace while I hightailed for the summit. Snow conditions started out moderately firm—perfect for kicking steps. Somewhere on the 6000-foot shoulder, I was shocked to cross a double set of fresh ski tracks! What the deuce?!! Who would be crazy enough to haul skis up here? I never found out, because the tracks eventually veered off to the east. Most likely, they were headed over to Methow Pass and on towards Cutthroat Pass as part of a high ski traverse.
- Black Peak & Fischer Peak From South Ridge
I proceeded up steepening snow slopes to the sharp ridge crest, then jogged left before climbing the final 40-degree snow finger to the summit rocks. The views of Ragged Ridge and the Methow peaks were outstanding, despite clouds moving in. Mt. Hardy is really a “sleeper” peak within the Upper Methow Mountains; it is not very well known but yet has great projection, healthy prominence, a jagged summit crest, and a breathtakingly steep northeast face.
- Mt Ballard & Azurite Peak From Mt Hardy Summit
- Golden Horn From Mt Hardy Summit
- Tower Mtn From Mt Hardy Summit
- Black Peak & Mt Goode From Mt Hardy Summit
At this time of year, it is also a satisfying snow climb that provides about 1500 feet of glissading. I would have enjoyed the glissade much more if not for the tendency for the upper foot of snow to peel off in long-running wet sloughs. Snow consolidation seems to be delayed this year due to the cold and cloudy springtime.
The unstable snow prompted me to hug ridge crests and rock margins, but I still managed a quick descent back to where Eileen was relaxing on a high boulder. We continued glissading and booting back to snowline, then made an uneventful plunge to the car.
Photo Gallery
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