| Author |
Topic |
|
Sunnyvale Trailer Park
Canada
1084 Posts |
Posted - 06/16/2012 : 6:00 PM
|
Our plan for Mount Lockwood from Paleface Creek had been on the back-burner for a while, probably because it’s not a realistic idea, though I’m sure it’s been done before. It was Bob’s suggestion to start from Maselpanik Creek, which was fine with me, especially since we could take the Jeep.
The Silver-Skagit Road is tuned up to perfection right now, no potholes yet. Maselpanik has some washout debris at the first switchback, where I would have parked my small Nissan 4x4. Some skillful driving by Bob W over and beside some large rocks got us past, the road ahead was in decent condition. Still, there are frequent deep waterbars, and 4 or 5 boulders that only a narrow truck can squeeze by.
Maybe I’ll post a map later, but the key is to park 100m or so past a creek crossing at 49d 06’ 07.1”, 121d 15’ 19.9”. If you drive up, the creek is not far past the 4km sign, the “trailhead” is marked by a beer can flagged to the alder.
The first section of second growth is reasonable, an aldery old road bed is crossed, then a short stretch of older forest with slabs.
Things began to deteriorate at the edge of an old burn. We’d been on a semi ridge for a while, keeping the sound of the creek within earshot. A combination of thick shrubby trees, rock outcrops, and rotten snow slowed progress to a crawl (literally). Some relief was found in the larger trees, and in a bizarre twist, a cut trail with ropes was also discovered. Moments later, the main snowpack began, burying any sign of the trail. Within minutes the main East ridge and summit were in sight.
Taking turns leading, we rapidly climbed the steep ridge.
There are long medium steep cirques on either side to be aware of, the ridge terminates at a little bench butting up against the final step.
 Bob climbing with the dogs.
 The view behind me.
Both dogs were blocked at the rock step, so I went up to keep them under control. Being stuck on a little ledge with two panting stressed-out dogs tested my patience. After 20 mins Bob re-appeared, then it was my turn to finish the hike.
   
I didn’t linger too long on top, my mind was focused on getting back down to the group. The rock step was dangerous enough to get my adrenalin going, Bob was down below saying he wished he had a camera. If anyone wonders why Bob W never adds pics to these reports, well he broke or lost 3 cameras in one year recently and is taking a break from photography. Anyways, we decided to hike down to a dog safe spot for our lunch break.
   
An attempt was made to follow the trail down, and we were surprised to find chainsaw work. At the creek it looked like the route may continue across the hillside, no way of telling for sure. Now on a different path down, our good luck continued with most of the brush being avoided. Maybe a bit flukey, but we popped out within metres of the Jeep. Bob’s ascent time was 3hrs, and our combined descent was a mere 2.
With some time on our hands, we drove down to the Skagit River, then scouted a route or two on the way back. At one spot, our ridge and Mount Lockwood came into view.
Feel fortunate to take advantage of a sunny day, and appreciate getting to drive around in the Jeep. Bob was even kind enough to play my favorite Priest CD twice  |
|
Campbell River, BC
Canada
754 Posts |
Posted - 06/16/2012 : 8:11 PM
|
| Nice adventure. The views are nice too. |
|
|
 Satirical photoshop junkie who frolics in the mountains of the Chilliwack River Valley
Chilliwack, BC
Canada
6895 Posts |
Posted - 06/16/2012 : 8:51 PM
|
| A nice trip to a seldom visited peak :-) |
|
|
|
Happy go lucky, plaid wearin, postholin, safeway gaitor sportin, old-school film shootin, giver of many regards
Abbotsford, B.C.
Canada
13440 Posts |
Posted - 06/16/2012 : 9:19 PM
|
Great adventure, beautiful shots.... you do hit the neat and out of the usual .
A fine day to do it on.
K |
|
|
|
Peak bagging, bushwhacking, zamboni driving, snowshoeing, self portrait artist, and speed demon who loves to hang out on Mt. Seymour
3994 Posts |
Posted - 06/16/2012 : 9:26 PM
|
Being out east you had the good weather stay with you. West of Whistler things had been on and off most of the day and full on cloud by mid afternoon.
Good looking trip and views - one I'd like to do.
|
|
|
|
Trail blazin', backcountry bushwackin', pine huntin', photo takin', long winded story teller
3838 Posts |
Posted - 06/16/2012 : 9:37 PM
|
Good one you guys. The trails or trails up there sound like some one is just making them.
Or has there been an established trail there from before? |
|
|
Abbotsford, BC
Canada
1005 Posts |
Posted - 06/16/2012 : 9:38 PM
|
| It appears as though you found a reasonable way up. Maselpanick is the quickest way up but an excursion from Paleface would be nice too! |
|
|
Sunnyvale Trailer Park
Canada
1084 Posts |
Posted - 06/17/2012 : 08:53 AM
|
quote:
Originally posted by Wildman
Good one you guys. The trails or trails up there sound like some one is just making them.
Or has there been an established trail there from before?
It's a mystery why someone would drag a powersaw over 1000ft above the main road to cut through large blowdowns etc... Considering the trail was going across the slope, not down to the road. Your guess that the trail might pre-date the main road is as good as any. |
|
|
Sunnyvale Trailer Park
Canada
1084 Posts |
Posted - 06/17/2012 : 08:58 AM
|
quote:
Originally posted by simonc
Being out east you had the good weather stay with you. West of Whistler things had been on and off most of the day and full on cloud by mid afternoon.
Good looking trip and views - one I'd like to do.
Yeah, the clouds were really building up to the West throughout the afternoon. During the trip, I'd mentioned to Bob that I remember reading a report when you said you were going to try for Lockwood, then changed plans and went elsewhere. Parking at the rockslide would only add a couple hours on to the hike, still kind of a short one. |
|
|
2 Posts |
Posted - 06/17/2012 : 6:27 PM
|
Great hike, you guys. I was hoping you'd find my chain saw up there.
Thanks for the pics Tim, also got some via email from Bob. |
|
|
Sunnyvale Trailer Park
Canada
1084 Posts |
Posted - 06/17/2012 : 9:05 PM
|
quote:
Originally posted by HalJordan
Great hike, you guys. I was hoping you'd find my chain saw up there.
Thanks for the pics Tim, also got some via email from Bob.
The section of your trail we followed was in a beautiful mixed forest, Spruce, Hemlock, Fir, and some of the nicest Yellow Cedar trunks I've seen. Interested to see what Bob has to say. |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
|
|
The Key to Mount Lockwood
