February 9, 2010, Kendall-Red Super Tour
2/9/10
WA Snoqualmie Pass
2241
3
There is a set of excellent ski touring maps published of the Wasatch in Utah. One side has topographic maps and the other aerial photos, both marked with common ski routes. One of the photos has long line drawn up and down through several high alpine basins and is labeled "Super Tour." What a great name -- beyond the regular tours was this super tour, a route that extends shorter tours to visit remote areas not otherwise accessible.
This Kendall-Red "Super Tour" combines the popular ski routes on Kendall and Red while visiting some of the more far out places near Snoqualmie Pass. It has been in the queue for a little while, inspired by the views on previous tours. From Commonwealth Basin, I made my way around Kendall, crossed the ridge above Kendall Peak Lakes and skied one of the couloirs into upper Silver Creek. From here I toured up to the top of Pt 5851, perched above Gravel and Ridge Lakes. This is a pretty spot, high above Gold Creek and the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie and gives unusual views of the surrounding peaks. I skied down the north facing slopes to Goat Creek, skated across the flats on perfectly frozen snow and climbed up the beautiful creek to a col between Red and Lundin. From the col, I descended and traversed to the southwest face route on Red, climbed it to the summit and skied back out Commonwealth to the car. I really liked this route -- long ascents and descents allowed me to get into a nice rhythm and enjoy the landscape. Plus the ski descents were good. About 7100 ft total elevation gain.
This Kendall-Red "Super Tour" combines the popular ski routes on Kendall and Red while visiting some of the more far out places near Snoqualmie Pass. It has been in the queue for a little while, inspired by the views on previous tours. From Commonwealth Basin, I made my way around Kendall, crossed the ridge above Kendall Peak Lakes and skied one of the couloirs into upper Silver Creek. From here I toured up to the top of Pt 5851, perched above Gravel and Ridge Lakes. This is a pretty spot, high above Gold Creek and the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie and gives unusual views of the surrounding peaks. I skied down the north facing slopes to Goat Creek, skated across the flats on perfectly frozen snow and climbed up the beautiful creek to a col between Red and Lundin. From the col, I descended and traversed to the southwest face route on Red, climbed it to the summit and skied back out Commonwealth to the car. I really liked this route -- long ascents and descents allowed me to get into a nice rhythm and enjoy the landscape. Plus the ski descents were good. About 7100 ft total elevation gain.
What, no comments on this? Matt, this is awesome stuff. You answered a bunch of q's of mine on Goat Creek. Did you trend toward Gravel Lake a bit off 5851' or does one of those really steep gullies go? Lots of terrain and aspects back there.
Thanks,
John
Here's a pic of 5851' extreme left of Margy's right gaiter. Steep stuff, Matt.
sounds like a great tour... i wanna try it!
From 5851 I skied down the ridge a short way (1-200 ft?) toward Gravel Lake before skiing down a gully. On the top I was really tempted to try the direct line but it sure looked like it cliffs out on the map. From the bottom it looks like it goes through but I'm not certain (caveat emptor!).
One cautionary word for those considering this tour or a variation: Goat Creek is steeper than it looks and the obvious route climbs up the creek most of the way. The creek itself is a terrain trap and most of the climb is exposed to cliffs and gullies above that regularly avalanche. It'd be dangerous on a warm spring afternoon, for example.
One cautionary word for those considering this tour or a variation: Goat Creek is steeper than it looks and the obvious route climbs up the creek most of the way. The creek itself is a terrain trap and most of the climb is exposed to cliffs and gullies above that regularly avalanche. It'd be dangerous on a warm spring afternoon, for example.
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