Abernathy Peak, Scatter Lake — Monday, Jun. 20, 2022

Gpx: https://caltopo.com/m/5885G

C2c. 5k gain over 10.5mi in 9h15m on a chill pace. Started at 2am, summit at 7:30am, descended at 8am, and back to car at noon.

Driving: Twisp river road in great condition. Last few miles are gravel road with no major potholes. All vehicles passable. 

Trailhead: Scatter creek trailhead. Has a register box, toilet and a small campsite. Be aware of mice (peppermint scent is supposed to keep them away). Poplar Flat campground a few miles before is an option too. 

Patchy (and somewhat avoidable) snow started at 5700ft. At 6000ft, instead of fording the scatter creek, we left trail, turned left/west and went up the pretty open forest. Some postholey snow. Be careful around the drainage and tree well. Oh and off snow until consistent snow from scatter lake, which was partially melted. Took out ax, crampons and helmet at the lake before the slope steepened. Perfectly crunchy crampons condition snow at 6am, which was made even easier with a well established boot path. Sun has softened the snow a lot by the time we started descending (8am) - some postholing followed by perfect plunge stepping condition. 

Water sources: a stream at around 5700ft, scatter creek when running parallel to the trail or you cross it, and scatter lake at 7000ft. 

Gear: helmet, ice ax, crampons, gaitors, sun protection, poles.