I arrived at Steven's Pass just after 7 to a brisk 21 degrees with a decent breeze and started thinking I'd made a mistake. With the trail going slightly downhill for awhile it was hard to get warmed up but eventually it got better.
There really isn't a lot to report getting to Valhalla. I packed snowshoes, which I used getting up McCausland, but they aren't needed getting to the lake. I didn't use any traction getting to the lake. The trail is narrow and packed down to where snowshoes would be a hassle. There are a couple stream crossings that require extra attention but they aren't bad.
A few people had been up McCausland recently and it looked like everyone had snowshoes. The snow was very firm and you could probably do it without them. In fact I saw 2 people heading up with just spikes. The one tricky part is about half way up it's very steep for maybe 100 vertical feet. My snowshoes have pretty aggressive crampons which made this part ok. I used my ice axe coming down this section. Probably could have done without it but I had packed it up there so I figured I'd use it. From here it mellows out some up to the summit. Very windy up top so I didn't stay long. If I did this hike tomorrow I'd leave my snowshoes and spikes at home and bring my crampons and ice axe for this one section. Poles and spikes would probably get it done but being solo I'd be a little nervous. Gorgeous day today and not many people on the trail. I think I saw 4 groups. 13.5 miles 3350' total gain.
Comments