Trip Date: January 2, 2006
Round Mountain Snowshoe Climb
Knoll 4360
Round Mountain (5320+ ft)
Trip Report Summary
Region: North-Central Washington Cascades
Sub-Region: North Stillaguamish Mountains
Area: Mt. Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest
Starting & Ending Point: Swede Heaven Road #1890 at collapsed bridge (Elev. 1800 feet)
Way Points: Knoll 4360 & Round Mountain summit (off-trail hike & snowshoe climb)
Summit: Round Mountain (snowshoe climb via Southeast Slope—South Ridge)
Approximate Stats: 4.5 miles traveled; 4000 feet gained & lost; 3.9 hours up; 2.0 hours down.
Full Trip Report
Steve, Julie, Lisa, Dwayne, Mike R, and I did a winter climb of Round Mountain in the North Stillaguamish Mountains near Darrington. We started at the collapsed bridge on Swede Heaven Road and booted up the southeast slope through deep, brush-free forest. Shortly after encountering solid snow at 3500 feet, we donned snowshoes and continued upward.
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The forest slope gradually transitioned to a nice ridge crest that ended at a 4360-foot knoll. We then dropped slightly to a saddle, then headed directly northward up a lightly forested ridge to the bald summit (3.9 hours + 3900 feet from car). Sadly, views were non-existent.
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Our descent was somewhat long but uneventful except for getting caught in the dark about halfway down. We finished by headlamp in late afternoon.
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Equipment Comments
For more information regarding the various equipment that I used for this particular trip and that I typically use for this type of trip, see my gear reviews on the following pages:
>>> Trail & Mountain Snowshoes
>>> Backcountry Ski & Snowshoe Packs
>>> Wintertime Comfort Accessories
Route Maps
Photo Gallery
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