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
Climbing & Alpine Scrambles
Chair: Mike Raymond,
H:360-437-9379, C: 360-204-2111, or mike-elaine@msn.com
Scheduled Climbs
Basic Climbs
June 14 and 15, Saturday and Sunday. The Tooth (BR). USGS Snoqualmie Pass. 8 miles RT, 2800 ft. gain. Meet Snow Lakes TH at 6:00AM.
June 21-23, Sat-Mon. Mt. Rainier, Emmons Glacier/Steamboat Prow Rt. (BG) USGS Mt. Rainier E, USGS Mt. Rainier W. 9500 ft gain. 15 miles RT. Meet at White River RS at 7 am. Permits already purchased with reservation. Please do not purchase another climbing permit. Plan to reimburse leader $30.
June 28-29, Saturday and Sunday. Mt. Baker, Coleman-Deming Route (BG). USGS Mt. Baker, Baker Pass. 7500 ft gain. Meet Glacier RS at 8am.
July 26 (Saturday) and 27 (Sunday). South Early Winters Spire, S Arete. (BR) USGS Washington Pass. 2700 ft gain, 5-7 hrs to summit. Meet at Blue Lake Trailhead near Washington Pass at 6:30 am.
August 2-4, Sat-Mon. Mt. Rainier, Disappointment Cleaver Rt. (BG) USGS Mt. Rainier E, USGS Mt. Rainier W. 9000 ft gain. 15 miles RT. Meet at Longmire WIC at 8 am on 7/13. Permits already purchased with reservation. Please do not purchase another climbing permit. Plan to reimburse leader $30.
For all climbs contact Mike Raymond, 360-437-9379 or mike-elaine@msn.com
2008 Intermediate Climbing Course
The Kitsap Branch will not offer a cohort for the Intermediate Climbing Course this season due to lack of interest. Activities will still be occurring for current students.
Field trips and climbs for current students can be coordinated with Mike Raymond. There will be a few opportunities for winter mountaineering experiences throughout the season. For more information,contact Mike Raymond, 360-437-9379,
mike-elaine@msn.com
2008 Alpine Scrambling Course
The Kitsap Branch has launched a new Alpine Scrambling Course
beginning late February 2008. No previous climbing experience is required,
although good physical condition is a must. (A good self-assessment would
be to carry a 20 pound pack up a trail or slope of 2000 feet vertical
gain within 2 hours. Mt. Walker, near Quilcene, is a recommended
assessment route).
Other conditioning routes:
Lake Angeles - 3.7 miles, 3000 ft. gain.
Heather Park - 4.1 miles, 3400 ft. gain.
Mt. Zion - 1.8 miles, 2300 ft. gain.
Mt. Rose - 4.0 miles, 3400 ft. gain.
Alpine scrambling involves the ascent of rock, scree, talus, ice and snow
to summits and ridges. Some trips are short, one day ascents, while
others involve multiple day backpacks and/or steep, exposed climbing.
Prospective participants should be aware that mountaineering-quality
boots are required. Backpacking boots are normally not sufficient. Ice
axes and mountaineering helmets are also required.
The main goal of this course is to build skill and experience on
non-technical terrain. Goals and objective for individuals will be based
on discussions with the course leadership.
2008 Scrambling Course Dates for remaining seminars/field trips
NEW DATE: Thursday, June 12, 6:30 PM - Review and Planning Seminar (location to be emailed to course participants)
Rescheduled to Saturday, June 14, Experience Field Trip (Mt. Townsend/Hawk Peak Alternative)
Scrambling Graduation Requirements
1. Complete three scrambles (one snow, one rock and one of choice)
2. Attend five classroom sessions and attend five field trips for skill
and experience development.
3. Possess a current Mountaineering Oriented First Aid card and Navigation card by
graduation.
One year is allowed to complete this work, although graduation may not be
achievable for all, and intermediate goals are encouraged.
Course Fee:$150 (fee entitles the participant to one year of
involvement with the program.
Registration A minimum enrollment of six students is required to
enable the course. A commitment to the course is required by February
1, 2008. Membership in the Mountaineers must be up to date and fees
must be paid to enroll. Sign up online or via club headquarters.
For more information, contact Mike Raymond, 360-437-9379,
mike-elaine@msn.com
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. Check schedule
and registration details online at www.mountaineers.org/mofa.
Intermediate Climbing/Scrambles Program
TBA
Scrambles Program
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.
Scheduled Scrambles
The Scrambles Leader to "To be announced" will be available on the CLUB web site and added information
may be gained by calling the chair: 360-779-9282. mike-elaine@comcast.net TBA
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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