Silver Star (S Ridge) 16-Jan-2013
Posted: January 16th, 2013, 8:09 pm
I blame Pablo. If not for his stunning photos of Silver Star from last Sunday, I would have simply gone to work today and fulfilled my destiny as a cog in the corporate machine. But no, I had to grab a "mental health" day and make my own pilgrimage to Silver Star. The drive to the South Ridge TH was through a gray, gloomy, misty mess - not promising. Road conditions were good - no ice - and the snow cover on the road was not a problem as far as the TH. It was, however, totally amazing to break through the inversion almost exactly at the TH (1600') into full bluebird conditions that would persist for my whole day on the mountain.
The snow was firm enough for boots until the little water feature at 2800', where the snow shoes went on. From near there, I could look down and see the clouds filling the valley below.
I always look forward to turning the corner at 3200', with its big view of Pt 4060 (Indian Pits) directly ahead and Silver Star in the distance.
Once up on the ridge to Pt 4060, it was easy walking on generally compacted snow.
I went up over Pt 4060, then down to the saddle between it and Silver Star, then directly up Silver Star's S ridge. The cloud covered extended to the W as far as the eye could see - only selected peaks in the Coast Range stood out.
Adams,
St. Helens, Rainier (Silver Star on the far left),
and Sturgeon Rock all rose above the cloud deck.
From the summit, I could see Jefferson on the far horizon,
Hood nearby,
and Three Corner Rock (arrow).
Mine were the first tracks up the S Ridge (past Pablo's to Pt 4060) but there weren't that many coming up from Grouse Vista. It looked like folks had concentrated on snow shoeing over and around Pyramid Rock.
After a quick lunch, I retraced by steps to the saddle below Pt 4060, then headed directly down to the road below. This area had been a little icy in the morning but had softened by the time I reached it.
The sun - although hot - felt great!
One last look at Hood and Jefferson (arrow),
before plunging into the mist for the drive home.
Short hike (7.5 mi RT, 2200' EG) but a great day in the mountains! Snow conditions are excellent and the views magnificent - don't miss Silver Star this winter!
The snow was firm enough for boots until the little water feature at 2800', where the snow shoes went on. From near there, I could look down and see the clouds filling the valley below.
I always look forward to turning the corner at 3200', with its big view of Pt 4060 (Indian Pits) directly ahead and Silver Star in the distance.
Once up on the ridge to Pt 4060, it was easy walking on generally compacted snow.
I went up over Pt 4060, then down to the saddle between it and Silver Star, then directly up Silver Star's S ridge. The cloud covered extended to the W as far as the eye could see - only selected peaks in the Coast Range stood out.
Adams,
St. Helens, Rainier (Silver Star on the far left),
and Sturgeon Rock all rose above the cloud deck.
From the summit, I could see Jefferson on the far horizon,
Hood nearby,
and Three Corner Rock (arrow).
Mine were the first tracks up the S Ridge (past Pablo's to Pt 4060) but there weren't that many coming up from Grouse Vista. It looked like folks had concentrated on snow shoeing over and around Pyramid Rock.
After a quick lunch, I retraced by steps to the saddle below Pt 4060, then headed directly down to the road below. This area had been a little icy in the morning but had softened by the time I reached it.
The sun - although hot - felt great!
One last look at Hood and Jefferson (arrow),
before plunging into the mist for the drive home.
Short hike (7.5 mi RT, 2200' EG) but a great day in the mountains! Snow conditions are excellent and the views magnificent - don't miss Silver Star this winter!