After four failed attempts to find decent early season skiing in the areas around Mount Rainier and Mount Baker, last weekend we finally scored. Big. Erik Svege called me on Saturday morning with a great idea. Pack up the truck, drive north and try to make our way to the Hidden Lake Peaks Lookout by dark. Well, we didn’t make it before dark, but we made it, and the next morning we woke to perfect weather, stable cold powder and the enviable position of being perched atop a 7000′ peak in the North Cascades with outstanding skiing in every direction. Here’s a little peek at paradise.
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- A waxing moon rises over the ridge of Hidden Lake Peaks in the North Cascades of Washington State.
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- The rugged peaks of the North Cascades illuminated by the last light of the evening.
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- Dawn breaks at the Hidden Lake Peaks Lookout in the North Cascades.
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- Sunrise over the peaks of the Cascade Pass region as seen from Hidden Lake Peaks.
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- The first light of day striking the summit pyramid of Mount Shuksan as seen from the southeast.
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- Erik Svege and Brian Fletcher prepare breakfast in the Hidden Lake Peaks lookout.
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- Erik Svege drops into the steep featured face of Hidden Lake Peak in the North Cascades.
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- Brian Fletcher and Erik Svege climb out of the Hidden Lake basin after an epic first run.
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- Brian Fletcher laying down big turns on the west slopes of Hidden Lake Peaks.
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Great pics, thanks for sharing, Scott! Any interesting layers in the snowpack? And, do you have to reserve the hut at HLP, or is it first come, or a super-secret hookup?
Thanks Diane! The snowpack was quite good actually, a few wind slab layers, but not very sensitive and the density profile was right side up. I’m sure things are a different story after the recent storming. The hut is first come, and they just request that you send a donation for the upkeep. You will want to make sure to approach during a stable cycle, as you have to cross a big face in order to gain the ridge that accesses the hut. Enjoy!
Lovely! Looks like some stunningly good conditions out there
Love the pics, as always! And I like the way you live. Enjoying life to the fullest I think!
Thanks Jaymie, I appreciate the support. Life is a beautiful thing to be experienced to the fullest!