Trip Date: March 12, 2006

Oakes Peak Snowshoe Climb

Bacon Creek
Oakes Peak (5681 ft)

Trip Report Summary

Region: Northwestern Washington Cascades

Sub-Region: Lower Skagit Mountains

Area: Mt. Baker – Snoqualmie National Forest

Starting & Ending Point: Bacon Creek Road #1060 / Road #1064 / Road #601 junction (Elev. 850 feet)

Way Points: Jumbo Creek Rib & Point 3341 & Oakes Peak summit (road hike & off-trail hike & snowshoe climb)

Summit: Oakes Peak (snowshoe ascent via Southwest Ridge—Southwest Slope)

Approximate Stats: 6 miles traveled; 5000 feet gained & lost; 4.9 hours up; 2.8 hours down.

Full Trip Report

I teamed up with Steve, Janet, Fay, Mike C, Randy B, and Craig to do a snowshoe ascent of Oakes Peak in the Lower Skagit Mountains. Starting at the Bacon Creek Road at a point just south of Jumbo Creek, we hiked up the logging road for about 1 mile, then ascended a snow-covered talus slope for 1000 vertical feet. Solid snow was encountered at 2500 feet, so we donned snowshoes and continued up the steep forest slope.

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Around 4000 feet, we began gradually curving to the left, following the peak’s southwest ridge. The snow was deep and heavy, which made for tough trail-breaking. Everyone topped out by early afternoon (4.9 hours + 5000 feet from car).

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The views of Bacon Peak, Mt. Blum, Mt. Triumph, and other summits in the Lower Skagit Mountains were stunning! It was also possible to see some of the McAllister Mountains south of Highway 20.

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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 Map

Photo Gallery

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