Axis Peak , Lake Stuart — Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021

Got to the top of Axis Peak today and enjoyed the fantastic views high above Lake Stuart. Wow, what a view, even with the clouds 

Started at the Lake Stuart  / Colchuck Lake trailhead at 8:33 am. Parking lot was about 1/8 full when I got started. Passed a few other groups of hikers on my way up, and actually ran into a couple on my way down, as they were heading back from Colchuck Lake. Everyone must have gone to Colchuck or beyond to Aasgard Pass, as I saw no none once I got on the turnoff to Lake Stuart.

Trail to Lake Stuart is fairly flat and has some fantastic views, once you get out into a meadow and can see up to the headwaters of I believe Mountaineer Creek. Mountains galore, as you can see the north side, I believe of Argonaut and Sherpa Peaks. The clouds were rolling in and out, so some of the tops of the peaks were not visible. I assume on a clear day, the view from this meadow must be fantastic!!

Once up at Lake Stuart and just past some avalanche debris that crosses the trail and where the boulder field comes down to the north side of the lake, look for a faint trail heading up to the boulder field due north. This faint track weaves in and out of the boulder field and then just fades away. I weaved in and out of the boulders, staying on some sandy soil, and avoiding the slide alder. The terrain to get up to Axis Peak is very steep. 2500 ft in a mile steep. It was not bad at times if I could stay on solid rock. The sandy scree sections look easier, but were not, as every step would slide back about 6 ". At around 6800 ft, I started to run into snow. Not sure if it helped or hurt with the traction. I brought microspikes and a ice axe, along with a helmet. Neither of them got used, as they got a free ride today.

There was about 2'-3" of snow on the summit today. The north side is all cliffs and looks down at Eight Mile Lake. Not today, as to the north was all clouds. I was not sure if I was even on the proper summit, so I scrambled over to the east summit to see if it was taller.This summit(East)was about 10 feet lower, so I went back over to the correct summit, dug around, and found the summit register buried in the snow. In between the two summits is an extremely steep col that goes straight down to the north. It was all fog so I could only see down about 100 ft. The col was all snow covered, and  it was like looking down into the abyss.

The only disappointment on the day, was not being able to see Eightmile Mountain across the valley to the north, as I was looking forward to see where I came down from summitting Eightmile a month ago. I also wanted to check out the route over to Jack Ridge. Oh well. It just means I will have to come back.

Coming down the steep slope of Axis Peak to Lake Stuart was not that bad. The scree skiing was actually fun. The best part was the views, as they were right in your face the whole way down. It was very cool to see the glaciers on the north side of Mount Stuart. If the views were this great on a cloudy day like today, I can only imagine what they will be on a clear day. I definitely need to come back here!!

Finished at 3:15 pm 11.6 miles. 4650 ft elevation gain. 6 hrs 45 minutes 

Note: On the drive back home over Blewett Pass, the larches and other fall colors were really popping. Just beautiful!!

More Information on this Trip Report

• https://caltopo.com/m/D6R01