In conjunction with Amy’s advice (she was also on the 2012 Chikamin climb),
many thumbs up for visiting Chikamin Peak, especially in the fall! The
climb itself is quite easy, mostly class 2 with a bit of class 3 near the
summit, and the views are outstanding. The approach can be tough however, if the
lower Mineral Creek trail hasn’t been brushed out recently. If you can do the
approach, the climb will be the icing on the cake.
Entrance to the extensive stretch of “trail” where you might not be
able to see your foot placement (circa 2016)!
Once you leave the PCT on the climbers’ trail and begin the descent to
Glacier Lake and camping, you enter the “stone kingdom”. This area of the Alpine
Lakes Wilderness is stunningly beautiful, surprisingly rugged, and worthy of an
extended exploratory stay if you have the time.
Start of descent to Glacier lake (center), Lemah Mt in
distance
Glacier Lake and Chikamin (top left) from camp area
Stretch pano from Chikamin summit (photo: Mike Pennington)
John Coyier at summit, Lemah Mt (L) & Chikamin lake
All credits to the original photographers; a couple are mine, but Mike’s
pano is the only one I can determine for attribution. Photos from the 2012 climb
tended to be hazy/smoky due to fire activity. The climb itself from Glacier Lake
goes quite expeditiously. I noted that when we did climbed it again in ~ 2016,
we were on the summit by 8:30am. Go for it - you won’t regret
it!
Sent: Friday, August 12, 2022 2:31 PM
Subject: [Chemeketans Climbers] Chikamin Peak Sept
2-4
Hello All,
Sept 2-4 Chris Salaz and myself will be leading Chikamin Peak.
Please email me directly if you’re interested!
Thanks,
Gabe
--
Gabriel
Starr
(503) 508-3709