Bearjack Ridge by Teanaway Ridge spans Bear Creek in Teanaway Backcountry. It parallels the south of Freedom Peak and Miller Peak. Meanwhile, Jack Creek via North Fork Teanaway River reaches both peaks directly.
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Bearjack Ridge at a Glance
Access: NF-9738 at mile 3.4
Round Trip: 6.7 miles
Elevation Range: 3200′-6402′
Gear: none
GPS Track: available
Dog-Friendly: yes
Bearjack Ridge South Route
Despite lacking grand scenery, the ridge promises plenty of solitude. Folks seeking a great workout than views would find the outing favorable. On the other hand, northern neighbors like Miller Peak and Earl Peak see more great vistas.
A few reports suggested the northeast-facing ridge, but it wouldn’t have worked well as a loop. So we climbed the west peak via the west from the fork off Road 9738. Meanwhile, we avoided repeating the southeast ridge
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West Peak Plus Ridge Traverse
The crest veered north-northwest at 3600′ after going straight up for 600′. Then at 4300′, we went northeast to the top adorned with a register placed by Fay Pullen. The tiny clearings viewed Earl Peak, Colchuck Peak, and Dragontail Peak.
After a short visit, we soon left the summit toward our next goal: Bearjack East Peak. Traversing east through the ridgeline offered decent south views, including Teanaway Ridge.
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Through Point 4464 and Point 4542
From Point 4464, we peeked through small openings at the taller high points before returning to the trees. Before long, we saw the east peak briefly from Point 4542. Meanwhile, we avoided most of the brush by hugging the crest.
The ridge became increasingly brushy from 4600′ to the top of the east peak. So we moved over to the west slopes for the final stretch. Views here comprised the rolling hills west of Highway 97.
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Bearjack Ridge East Peak Plus Exit
I viewed some of Iron Bear and Joker by sticking my head out from the clearing. On the other hand, there were virtually no views to the north unless I peeked closely through branches. I looked for a register but didn’t find one.
We left the top via the southeast ridge and soon reached the 4600′ saddle. Then we took the southwest rib and plunged to the roadway in one piece. Before long, we walked one and a half miles back to the starting point.
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