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The Kitsap Mountaineers: Climbing/Scrambles
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Climbing/Scrambles Information
Members: How to find scheduled activities and sign up online.
Look below on this page for the list of currently scheduled Kitsap Mountaineers climbs and scrambles. Members may view the complete list of currently scheduled Kitsap Mountaineers activities by clicking on the Search Kitsap Mountaineers Activities link. For safety reasons, guests are not allowed to sign up for climbs or scrambles--graduation from appropriate scrambling and climbing courses or equivalency is required to participate in climbs and scrambles. Member online registration for climbing and scrambling activities can be completed by following the instructions once you click on the Search Kitsap Mountaineers Activities link:
Search Kitsap Branch Activities
Chair: Mike Raymond, H:360-437-9379 or mike-elaine@msn.com
"Monthly Climbing Summits"
Summits will be open to anyone interested, member or not, so please bring anyone that might like to know more or just hear about what we do.
The "October Climbing Summit" will be Friday, October 9 at 6pm at Kitsap Cabin
We will share trip reports, what people want to do, and discussions of new techniques and gear, and preview upcoming courses and field trip. It will also be a potluck dinner. The club will provide salad and pizzas from Seabeck Pizza. Bring your own beverages.
Scheduled Kitsap Scrambles
Kitsap Alpine Scrambling emphasizes non-technical climbs in the Olympic Range. Many scrambles are described in the Climber's Guide to the Olympic Mountains by Olympic Mountain Rescue. Equipment: Ten essentials, ice ax, mountaineering boots, and helmet are always required.
Sunday, August 15. Goat Lake/Royal Basin Loop (S3, T2). (USGS Mt Deception, GT136 Tyler Peak,) 12 mi loop, 4500' gain. Travel along Dungeness River to Camp Handy and then up a steep ridgeline to Goat Lake. From Goat Lake travel up to the notch near Petunia Peak and travel down the steep scree towards Royal Basin. Great views of the Needles, and peaks surrounding Royal Basin. Meet at 7 am at Poulsbo Church of the Nazarene. John Howard, 360-516-0222, howiejm@comcasat.net. Please sign up via the internet. (s/8/1-8/14), OM 63/64.
Saturday, September 11. Buckhorn Combination (NE & SW), Olympic Mts. 4500' 14mi RT USGS Mt Townsend. S: 4; T: 3. Leader TBD.
Saturday, Sunday; October 2-3. C-141/Stasis Combination; Olympic Mts. Overnight Trip. 6700' gain. 20mi RT. USGS Tyler Peak. S: 5; T: 2. Leader TBD.
Saturday, November 13. Tyler Peak 6364'. 3,300'~ gain. 6 mi RT. USGS Tyler Peak. S: 2, T: 2. Leader TBD.
Scheduled Kitsap Basic Mountaineering Climbs
Saturday, Sunday; August 28-29. Royal Basin Outing - Clark, Johnson, Deception, Arrowhead possibles. (Rock/Alpine) USGS Tyler Peak. Class 4-5.6. Various leaders. Overnight required. Bear canisters and NPS permit required.
Saturday, Sunday; Sept 4 & 5. The Tooth, Rock, Cascade Mts. (Rock) Leaders TBD.
Saturday, Sunday; Oct 9-10. Mt Constance/Inner Constance. (Alpine/Rock). USGS Tyler Peak. Leader TBD.
Saturday, Nov 20. Ingalls Peak, S Ridge, 7,662'. (Rock). USGS Mt Stuart. 3 pitches to 5.6. Weather dependent. Leader TBD.
Scheduled Kitsap Intermediate Mountaineering Climbs
Saturday, Sunday; August 14-15. Mt Constance, West Arete, Olympic Mts. USGS Tyler Peak. Leader TBD.
Saturday, Sept 18. Observation Rock, Mt Rainier NP. (Ice) USGS Mowich Lake. Leader TBD.
Saturday, October 16. Minaret, Ridge of the Gargoyles, Olympic Mts. USGS Tyler Peak. 2-3 pitches to Class 5.6. Cross-country approach. Leader TBD.
Saturday, Sunday, November 7-8. Mt Thompson, W Ridge. (Rock). USGS Snoqualmie Pass, Chikamin Peak. 6-7 pitches to Class 5.6. This is an overnight trip. Leader TBD.
Crag Climbing Class
Wednesday, September 16. 5-6 consecutive Wednesdays. Crag Climbing Course begins. Meets at Kitsap Cabin at 6:30 pm. Limited to 12 students. Reserve your place by registering with the Mountaineers clubhouse by September 4, 5pm. Members: $125, Non-members: $200.
No prior climbing experience required. Participants will need their own climbing harness, carabiners, helmet, and rock shoes. Participants do not need to purchase a rope or artificial protection. Curriculum to include:
- Equipment needed - recommended retailers
- Use of published guides
- Knots
- Climbing safety
- Climbing skills: belaying, anchoring, rappelling, use of feet and hands
- Where to find climbing opportunities: indoor and outdoor
- Field trips to NW cragging locations
Crag Climbs - Cragging students, basic grads and intermediates
Saturday, August 21. Exit 38, I-90/North Bend. Various leaders TBD.
Saturday, Sunday; September 25-26. Smith Rock Outing. Leave Friday night, return Sunday. Various leaders. TBD.
Saturday, Sunday; October 23-24. Icicle Canyon/Leavenworth Outing. Leave Friday night, return Sunday. Various leaders TBD.
Saturday, Sunday, November 27-28. Frenchman's Coulee Outing. Leave Friday night, return Sunday. Various leaders TBD.
Climbing Trips
One day ascents to several day outings
Rock, glacier, ice, and alpine environments explored.
Basic experience climbs offered through the Kitsap Branch as well as other branches
Club Climbs - offered to a broad range of climbers
Outings: Trips organized to many out of the way and distant destinations
Prerequisite to other Climbing Programs:
Intermediate Climbing
Crag Climbing
Waterfall Ice Climbing
Advanced Climbing Experiences
Climb Leadership:
Instructors and field trip leaders are experienced climbers
All leaders are Mountaineering First Aid qualified
Democratic decisions with leader advisement
Climbing Code an essential foundation of participation
TRIP REPORTS: WHAT KITSAP MOUNTAINEERS HAVE BEEN DOING IN THE HIGH COUNTRY
Mt. Walkinshaw Attempt- October 26, 2008
Four of us left the end of the Baldy road at 7:30am. Elaine and I
had arrived the evening before to get an early start. Suzy Diesen
and Joel showed up in the morning and we headed out just as it
was getting light. We started at just about 3000 ft.
The Baldy trail is steep and reaches the ridgeline north of Baldy at
about 6400' in 2.5 miles. Then we traversed the ridge to Baldy and
Suzy tagged it for the first time.
On we went toward Walkinshaw that looked far in the distance. From
Baldy you descend 600' to a saddle and a lump in the ridge. Then
it's up 1000' to the summit of Graywolf Ridge which can't be avoided
without ugly sidehill walking on steep ground.
Walkinshaw looked somewhat closer, but Suzy checked her map and
stated that we were only about 1/3 of the way to it. After
descending another 1000' to another saddle we climbed up about 500'
through a basin just north of Pt. 7076'. We couldn't find a direct
route to the continuation of the ridge so we decided to turn around
at just about 4:00pm.
It took us 3 1/2 hours to get down. Overall, it was a 12 hour day,
12 miles, and almost 8,000 of vertical. We will need to get
Walkinshaw another way or take more days.
We all agreed it was an excellent day with sun and light winds, with
very mild temperatures. Great views all around, too!
Mike and Elaine at Appleton Pass September 2008
I've always wanted to make it to Appleton Pass so Elaine and I headed
out that way on a clear and cool Sunday morning. We were on the
trail at about 8:10. The trail to the pass is in pretty good shape.
I'd never been on this part of the trail that extends from the
Olympic Hot Springs area, beyond the intersection with the Boulder
Lake trail.
We could see why it would be difficult to cross Boulder Creek at high
water when we crossed over about a half mile from the Boulder Lake
trail. The trail climbs gradually until it crosses the creek. Then
it heads up the opposite slope and eventually enters the avalanche
basin below the pass. There was still debris everywhere from the
past winter's storms although the trail was clear of trees until
here. We happened on a sort of teepee of logs which had a message
attached. It directed the reader to follow a bearing of 189 to the
next marker where the trail could be found again on the other side of
the debris field. It wasn't very difficult if you figured out the
message.
We had a nice lunch at the pass in the sun. The views of Olympus
were not as good as I thought they would be but we didn't go to far
off the trail either.
We saw a few people on the trail and there was a tent set up at the
pass. Probably belonged to the pair we saw heading up to Mt.
Appleton.
On our way down, we redirected a hiker at the avalanche basin whe
seemed to be wandering around trying to find the trail.
We were back at just about 4:15. We like to stop at the 7 Cedars
Casino for a after-hike dinner. The Totem Bar and Grill has a good
menu with reasonable prices.
Distance and Pace Difficulty levels are:
* (E) Easy: Up to 8 miles R/T; up to 1200' elevation gain.
* (M) Moderate: 6 - 12 miles; 1200' to 2500' gain.
* (S) Strenuous: 10 - 14 miles up to 3500' gain.
* (VS) Very Strenuous: over 14 miles and/or more than 3500' gain.
Pace of the trip is defined as:
* (1) Leisurely pace: The slowest pace trips.
* (2) Social pace: Less than 2 miles per hour. Suitable for conversation and observation.
* (3) Normal pace: Approximately 2 miles per hour.
* (4) Fast pace: Greater than 2 miles per hour.
Navigation: Basic climbing students and scrambling students are also required to take
the Navigation Course. It is offered three times each year, but
basic climbing students should take the Navigation Course as
early as possible. Check schedule and registration details online
at www.mountaineers.org/seattle/navigation.
First Aid: Basic climbing students and scrambling students also must take a Mountaineering
Oriented First Aid (MOFA) Course.
Friday-Sunday, November 13-15. MOFA This course will be located at Kitsap Cabin. Instructors are Jimmy James and Colleen Beslanwitch. Cost is $50 for materials and facility rental. $100 for non-members. $25 cancellation fee. Sign up on line at the Mountaineer's website.
Activity Registration and General Information (Climb, Hike, Backpack, Snowshoe Outings)
Registration & cancellation: All trip participants must sign-up in advance with the trip leader for climbs, scrambles, hikes and backpacks. Advance registration is not required for Suburban Walks. Unless otherwise noted, trips are limited to 12 people, including the leader. If you find that you are unable to participate in a trip for which you are registered, please notify the leader ASAP.
Carpooling, Cross Sound Transportation & The Meeting Places.
Northern Olympic Peninsula hikes initially meet at the Park-n-Ride at the Poulsbo Church of the Nazarene, 22097 Viking Way NW, Poulsbo, WA. It is on Viking Way, north of Hwy 305, adjacent to the Washington State Patrol office (talk about secure parking!)
Southern Olympic Peninsula hikes meet at the Bremerton National Airport.
Port Townsend members anticipate meeting at Fat Smitty's in Discovery Bay.
Kitsap recommends taking the Kingston Ferry when coming from the mainland.
As a courtesy to those new to The Mountaineers we offer the following:
Trip leaders know the route and oversee the group. Leaders, in conjunction with a MOFA leader when present, are also responsible for managing the smooth exit of the group in the unlikely event of an emergency.
Hikers are expected to behave in a safe and responsible manner and be adequately prepared for the trip. Those who are not adequately equipped for the trip may, at the leader's discretion, be sent home for the sake of safety.
So please, don't forget your 10 essentials.
Each guest hiker must have a signed waiver
on file. Waivers must be filed by email to the hike leader before the trip.
We often plan a post trip gathering at a convenient restaurant.
Trip classifications. Mountaineer hikes are classified in two ways, the difficulty level of the trail, and sometimes the pace at which the group will be traveling. (This may vary due to climb rate or trail conditions.):
Difficulty levels are:
(W) Walks: Short distance, social paced, for everyone including families with children and Mountaineers who have been slowed by time.
(E) Easy: Up to 8 miles R/T; up to 1200' elevation gain.
(M) Moderate: 6-12 miles; 1200'-2500' gain.
(S) Strenuous: 10-14 miles up to 3500' gain.
(VS) Very Strenuous: over 14 miles and/or more than 3500' gain.
Pace of the trip is defined as:
(1) Leisurely pace: The slowest pace trips.
(2) Social pace: Less than 2 miles per hour. Suitable for conversation and observation.
(3) Normal pace: Approximately 2 miles per hour.
(4) Fast pace: Greater than 2 miles per hour.
Book references for Kitsap hikes:
DHOP = "Day Hike! Olympic Peninsula", Seabury Blair Jr., Sasquatch Books.
OM = "Olympic Mountaineers Trail Guide", 3rd Edition, Robert Wood, Mountaineers.
Additional hikes will be listed on www.kitsapmountaineers.org
We often plan a post trip gathering at a convenient restaurant.
Mileage
For driver/passenger planning purposes, the one way distance from
Poulsbo Church of the Nazarene to:
Heart of the Hills Ranger Station, Heather Park, and Lake Angles
trailheads is 63 miles.
Hurricane Ridge Parking Lot is 75 miles.
Camp Handy Trailhead is 59 miles.
Tubal Cain Trailhead is 61 miles.
Silver Lakes Trailhead is 62 miles.
Hiker Responsibilities:
any person who participates in a hike with the
Kitsap Mountaineers is expected to assume and fulfill the following
responsibilities. Required equipment: 10 essentials, adequate clothing
and adequate foot wear. The hiker should:
1. Be adequately prepared for the hike. This includes having the above
required equipment that is appropriate for the weather and the location.
2. Be in physical condition adequate for the hike.
3. Be a responsible group member and abide by the decisions of the
leader or consensus of the group.
4. Be a responsible carpooler by being prepared to pay 5-8 cents per
mile to the driver.
5. Follow correct procedures for trip registration, canceling and
wait-listing.
6. Have a signed waiver before proceeding on a hike.
Book References:
OPDH = "Olympic Peninsula Day Hikes", Seabury Blair Jr. Sasquatch Books.
OM = "Olympic Mountaineers Trail Guide", 3rd Edition, Robert. Wood,
Mountaineers.
HONP = "Hiking Olympic National Park", Erik Molvar, Falcon Guide
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