Gilbert Peak
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
- Weather forecast: NWS/NOAA
- Maps: Oregon Hikers Maps Google Maps
- Latitude, Longitude: 46.488458, -121.407724
- Elevation: 8184 feet
- Hikes including this destination:
- South Tieton Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG)
Description
Mt. Curtis Gilbert aka Gilbert Peak is the highest summit in the Goat Rocks Wilderness. Like the other peaks in Goat Rocks, Gilbert Peak was once a part of a single large stratovolcano that reached over 10,000 feet. After the volcano became extinct about 2 million years ago, glaciers gradually eroded it down to several lower peaks averaging between 7,000 and 8,184 feet that are now known as Goat Rocks.
Gilbert Peak can be summited via a class III scramble. It is usually ascended from the East. There are several possible scramble routes. The most straightforward approach is via Conrad Meadows Trail #1120 and Suprprise Lake to alpine meadows area, then cross-country to the foot of Meade Glacier, and up on the glacier (which is just a series of snowfields). You crest the ridge at 7800' and go onto usually snow-less SW side, and then it's steep, loose but pretty straightforward scramble to the summit.
Another, more difficult climb is from the west (from Cispus Basin) as described in SummitPost. One must consider however that Goat Rocks' winter snowfall averages 20 feet and it takes most of the summer to melt. The best time to climb Mt. Curtis Gilbert is in August or September.