Provisional Leader: Shonee Langford
Observing Leader: Michael Gurley
When: Saturday, January 25, 2020 (or backup date Sunday, January 26)
Where: Sardine Mountain (4950’) near Detroit, OR
Contact: Shonee Langford, shoneelangford@gmail.com
Difficulty: S1
Driving Distance: 80 miles round trip
Climb Distance: 7 miles round trip
Elevation Gain: 3350’
Max Group Size: 8-10
Description: Sardine Mountain offers a challenging snow climb in our very own backyard. Many Chemeketans use it as a training hike in preparation for bigger objectives, but it is seldom-climbed in winter, when the standard route to the summit (west ridge) is often guarded by cornices and avalanche-prone slopes. To avoid these hazards, we will ascend via the lesser-known Halls Ridge to a logging road, walk a mile or so to Knutson Saddle, and from there ascend to the summit via the south ridge. The route climbs 3350 feet in 3.4 miles, with 2500 feet of gain packed into the first 1.7 miles. We will carry snowshoes, crampons and ice axe, with snow likely on the upper part of the climb.
On a clear day, views extend from the Coast Range to the Cascades, including close-up views of Mount Jefferson and an uncommon perspective of Mount Washington and the Three Sisters.
This is a great climb for experienced and newer climbers alike. All who apply should be in good climbing shape.
Contact Shonee Langford (shoneelangford@gmail.com) for more info or to apply for a spot.