Vesper Peak — Sunday, Jul. 21, 2024

Morning and afternoon up to Vesper! Sorta last minute as we had to pivot away from our plans due to fires.

Hiking guide says 8 miles. That makes sense to me when there is no snow and the final mile has more switchbacks to it. Right now, a little less than the final mile is covered in slushy snow, so you take it straight up. We ended the day with a little more than 4000 in gain and 6.7 miles.

Drove up in a low-clearance which was totally fine - some sharp rocks.

Here are some updates on conditions since previous reports: stream crossings in the beginning are not really a problem. There are natural ways to cross without getting your shoes wet. No snow until you are at the Vesper Lake outflow creek. Then, minor snowfields… until you have the last mile to the top, which is snow covered.

We saw people with ice axes, helmets, and various spikes. We felt comfortable and safe getting to the top in the slushy, steep snow without spikes or gear. I think the ice axes and helmets are useful if a.) you want them to feel safer for your own risk tolerance, b.) you’re doing more than just Vesper Peak, or c.) you plan on glissading down and want some safety gear. On our way down, I put on my micro spikes but my hiking partner didn’t have any additional gear on and felt good. I probably didn’t need my spikes either. We both glissaded during short, safe runs.

Bugs were pretty annoying in places and definitely out and about at the top. But there was also bug freedom on the trail.

Commentary on trail overall: you get a bit of everything on this hike! Forest, exposed meadows, boulder/talus fields, switchbacks, are up in the alpine. And so many fast people going up at all times of the day! In my opinion, not a lot of this hike can be done at my own personal cruising speed. I found that I had to think about my footing and consider what my next move or two was ahead of time, which makes for slower going, due to the various trail conditions — big steps, windy talus fields, slide-y switchbacks. Reminder to download an offline map to make sure you’re on trail!

Beautiful views even on this smoky, grey day we did it. We could see the smoke plumes from fires near Darrington. Could see Glacier Peak and Baker and so much more!