Experience Field Trip 2015

Today was the Experience Field Trip for the 2015 Alpine Scrambling Course I was helping teach through the Everett Mountaineers. After having covered all the basics it was the students turn to show what they know and take the lead on a real scramble. We had several groups going to different locations, I went with the group going to Guye Peak at Snoqualmie Pass.

Guye Peak is a short but steep climb and normally this time of year still has lots of snow. But not this year. Not a single instance of snow until we reached 4800 feet, and then it was just small patches where the sun doesn't shine on a regular basis. There was one 30 foot section that was pretty steep that required good ice axe skills, and that was pretty much it. The rest was pretty much a walk up.

We took the trail from the Alpental ski area up to Guye Peak, and on our way down we went back down the other side (on purpose) out through the Common Wealth Basin. The weather, temperature-wise, was excellent. Not too cold, and not too hot even when we got moving. But the visibility was non existent. Lots of fog in the parking lot, and once we reached the summit, you literally couldn't see anything but white all around. It was actually kind of eerie, looking off the edge and not seeing anything.

Despite not having a great view at the top, it was a great day with a great group. Lots of fun, and it was a good end to the course. Look forward to scrambling with these students in the coming summer and upcoming years. Great job everyone!

Region: Snoqualmie Region, Snoqualmie Pass
Distance: 6 miles
Elevation Gain: 2100 ft
Peak Elevation: 5168 ft
Difficulty: S2, T3
Pass Requirement: Yes, Northwest Forest Pass

As always check out all the photos of the hike and every hike by clicking on the "Photos" tab.