Le Conte Mountain by Sentinel Peak overlooks the famous Ptarmigan Traverse. Le Conte Glacier spans its southeast flank, while the massive South Cascade Glacier lies below the west. Moreover, Cache Col via Cascade Pass offers one of several ways to the peak.
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Le Conte Mountain and Hurry-Up Peak at a Glance
Access: Cascade Pass Trailhead
Round Trip: 26.2 miles
Elevation Range: 3650′-7821′
Essential Gear: helmet, ice ax, crampons, overnight
Route Info: Cascade Alpine Guide, Brad Wagenaar
GPS Track: available
Dog-Friendly: no pets
Playlist: Epic, Ethereal
Saturday, July 1
Le Conte Mountain + Yang Yang Lakes Camp
Back to Ptarmigan Traverse Southbound
It’s been three years since I last set foot in one of the most scenic places in Washington State. Back then, I came to wrap up my pursuit of the second hundred highest peaks. I returned to visit Le Conte Mountain and Hurry-Up Peak along the same route this time.
Despite having no motivation, I might do it soon since it’s super popular. So far, I’ve gone past Cache Col four times and entered from the south twice. That leaves me with a missing link of four miles between Sentinel Peak and Spire Col.
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Cascade Pass Trailhead to Cascade Pass
Only the night before the trip did I discover the road to the trailhead was fully open. That saved me from the extra two miles on Cascade River Road this year. I’d also enjoy having more time on my walk to Cascade Pass.
There was noticeably much less snow over the slope below Mix-Up Peak. When I arrived, two guys had just approached the pass from the Pelton Basin Camp. We chatted a while before another couple from the trailhead showed up.
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Cache Col via Cache Glacier to Le Conte Mountain
The couple from Bellingham, Washington, planned to do the traverse, so I initially joined them. After stashing my running shoes past the toilet, I caught up to them. Soon, we walked the largely snow-free trail to Cache Glacier.
Thanks to other parties who had recently made their way up and left their tracks. Due to the snow conditions, climbing through the edge near the saddle wasn’t feasible. So we all crawled under the thin snow bridge in the middle.
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Kool-Aid Lake to Spider-Formidable Col via Red Ledge
We went past Kool-Aid Lake and soon crossed the massive talus to the snow below the Red Ledge. Three people appeared below as I watched the couple climb the steep ice. All of us reached the shoulder in one piece and continued.
Middle Cascade Glacier was in great shape, but it took forever to reach the top. Thanks to the existing tracks for saving us time kicking steps. The group of three was on a bigger mission with lighter packs and was soon out of sight.
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Onward to Yang Yang Lakes Camp Atop Flat Creek
The slope below Spider-Formidable Col was sketchy this time and icy like the Red Ledge. So, the couple downclimbed facing in because of the crampons they used. Soon, we went through my favorite area atop Flat Creek.
The excellent and warm weather brought gorgeous views at every turn. The couple stayed behind to climb Mount Formidable while I continued to Yang Yang Lakes. Then, I set up my tent between the two lakes and went after Le Conte Mountain.
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Bypassing Peak 7004 to Le Conte Mountain
I avoided Peak 7004 again by taking my old route on the east slope. But the lack of snow this year made it tedious through the steel talus. From the 6600′ notch, I soon joined the trail with a clear view (three years earlier) of the mountain.
After a short, steep snow at 7200′, I returned to the rocks for the rest of the climb. I then used the route of the least resistance and found my way up to the east notch. A quick, exposed traverse on a narrow ledge later took me to the top.
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Ptarmigan Traverse Views in Glacier Peak Wilderness
There were many loose rocks on the narrow summit and little space. But I mainly stayed in one spot to enjoy the breathtaking scenery. I allowed myself an hour to take in the views before leaving unwillingly.
Despite being closer to Sentinel Peak, the massive Dome Peak behind it had stolen the show. Looking north, it was perhaps the best angle I’d seen Spider Mountain and Mount Formidable. Overall, there was so much more than the eyes could handle!
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Back to Yang Yang Lake via Peak 7004
I retraced my steps down the mountain and soon returned to the trail. Then, I got curious and decided to check out the standard route on the ridge by going over Peak 7004. But past the summit, the trail had faded by the cliffs.
So I looked for the trail through the dense shrubs on the north but to no avail. Then I dropped onto the steep scree west of the lakes. Slowly, I went through loose rocks until I reached the dirt and grass to plunge down the basin.
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A Windy Night Below Le Conte Mountain
It was still light out when I reached the lakes; you gotta love the post-9 o’clock sunset! Two tents had shown up since I left for Le Conte Mountain. One sat closer to the lower pond, and the other nestled among the trees across the upper lake.
It’s too bad the lake basin was in the shade to benefit from the golden hour. Astrophotos were impossible to take because of the wind gusts throughout the night. They brought back memories of our second night on the Picket Traverse.
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Sunday, July 2
Hurry-Up Peak + Exit
Back to Kool-Aid Lake via Spider-Formidable Col
I awoke to another gorgeous day of sunshine and was ready to head out. After an early breakfast and a photo session, I retraced my steps uphill. People across the water were up when I left, but the couple I met was still inside their tent.
Besides squirrels and marmots, I didn’t see anyone again until partway down Middle Cascade Glacier. The first guy recognized me from my blog and mentioned his quest for the Bulger List. We chatted until his partner showed up, and then I left for Kool-Aid Lake.
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North Ridge to Hurry-Up Peak
After stashing my pack and snow gear by the lake, I left for Hurry-Up Peak. I enjoyed the sun, with many stops en route for photos. But when I suddenly came upon the steep snow at 7100′, I regretted not bringing my ice ax! Grr.
I look around before dropping lower to reach the rocks on the other side. From the edge of the snow, I then climbed through tall granite rocks to 7200′. I went south and unknowingly took the gully before the one noted in the Cascade Alpine Guide.
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Viewing Glacier Peak Wilderness Atop Cascade River
The route worked out; I reached the ridge and soon passed above the broad gully. After a glimpse of Trapper Lake by the outcrops, I first went up to the false peak. Then, I traversed below the crest to the summit in minutes.
During the long break, I decided to head out a day early to pick up the dogs. That meant ditching the plan to include Magic Mountain on this trip. That meant I’d return to this beautiful area again someday!
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Leaving Le Conte Mountain et al. via Cache Col
The fourth time, the exit was even more non-eventful. I reached Cache Col after slowly climbing 800 feet on the steep trail. After one last look to the south, I went back onto Cache Glacier through the now-broken snow bridge.
I glimpsed Cascade Pass above the last incline before descending the rocky slope. Soon, I was back at the park boundary and down the main trail. En route, I photographed a sooty grouse on the talus that got a tad too close for comfort.
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