Vantage Peak

August 20, 2006

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Marian and I decided to do an easy trip this weekend as I was still a bit broken from the Shuksan trip (had a little accident that didn't make the TR... mashed my hand so climbing this weekend was out) and I had my dog so it had to be something she could do anyway. Vantage out near Cerise Creek seemed to fit the bill so at 5am we were on our way.

Made good time, arriving at the trailhead at around 8:30 even with a breakfast stop on the way. Man that road is a nightmare. I scratched the shit out of my new car. We had to turn the radio up so we couldn't hear the screeeeeeeeeeeeeeeching of the branches carving up my paint job.

This is the view from the dashboard. The alder actually touches overhead:



The trail in is easy with the exception of the short obstacle course where an avalanche has brought down a good chunk of forest. Lots of pretty wildflowers too:



We hiked to the col then stopped for a break to enjoy the view:


click here for large pano

The scramble from the col has very little redeaming value. I don't recommend it for any reason other than to just tick 'Vantage' off the list. The view is pretty much the same from the summit as it is from the col:


click here for large pano


We relaxed, enjoyed the views, watched a forest fire and had a nap on the summit before heading down.




Managed to find an even more unpleasant route down. My dog was NOT impressed. We decided to check out the hut on the way out so we climbed up and over both lateral morrains.



There were some beautiful reflections in the lake before the hut:



The hut was hopping. Glad we weren't staying there.



On the way down we passed even more people including a stag party on their way up. We were back at the car around 7:15. About 10 hours round trip at slacker pace. Beautiful area. Looking forward to going back to do the more interesting peaks. It was a great recon mission.

Trip Report | Photo Gallery