Alpine Splendor Overload - Sibley Point, 7.21.19
I am not a climber. I sometimes have to use hands and feet and I sometimes carry an ice ax and microspikes for steep snow but I don’t typically dangle from sheer cliffs with my fingertips jammed in a crack or lug ropes and a whole arsenal of gear. With that said, most of my favorite mountains are the ones that are way out of my league. The huge jagged towers of rock whose summits are protected by a multitude of extremely steep rock faces and icy glaciers filled with man eating crevasses. There are no “easy” ways up these peaks. What I like to do is figure out how to get up close and personal with these incredible jagged peaks without risking life and limb to do so.
Such is the case of one of the grand summits in the North Cascades called Eldorado Peak. I had previously been to a great spot to view this peak. Back in September of 1993, along with Bridgit, her sister Cathy and our friend Andy, we had climbed a nearby peak called Hidden Lakes Peak and had wonderful views of Eldorado. From our high vantage point, we could see a long ridge that runs from below Hidden Lakes Peak all the way out to Eldorado. Then in 2015 I saw photos and a trip report from someone who had been out on this ridge and I knew I had to go there someday. That someday finally arrived yesterday.
Neighbor Greg and I took advantage of a stellar weather forecast and hit the trail at 8AM. The normal trail winds steeply up a valley (1,000’ per mile) and then traverses around the summit of Hidden Lakes Peak to a saddle. From there, most people head further south and climb to an airy lookout with commanding views in every direction. A few will forego the lookout and head north from the saddle to the true summit of Hidden Lakes Peak which is what we did back in ’93. But of course, Greg and I had other plans. Our goal was to leave the trail at the final switchback and head straight up to a place called Sibley Pass. To access the ridge we wanted to run, our first objective was to climb Sibley Peak above Sibley Pass.
Sun rising over Sibley Peak
We found the spot to leave the main trail and followed a climber’s track straight up a very steep hillside to Sibley Pass. Once at the pass we were greeted with an amazing view. Spread before us was the area around Cascade Pass and the entire length of the peaks that make up the incredible Ptarmigan Traverse. It was truly a sight to behold. To our left was the final climb to the top of Sibley Peak. It was very steep but a combination of animal trails and climber’s tracks had us at the summit with no issues.
Sibley Peak from the pass
Our vantage point on the summit of Sibley Peak was incredible. So many familiar peaks were visible in all directions. To the south we had a great view of Hidden Lakes Peak. To the northwest Mt. Baker and the Picket Range and as previously mentioned the peaks of the Ptarmigan Traverse to the east.
Greg on the summit of Sibley Peak with Hidden Lakes Peak behind (Sibley Pass between)
As great as this spot was, we had grander visions and we could now see the full route that lay ahead. An absolutely gorgeous ridge wound its way north from Sibley Peak all the way to a peak called The Triad. Just underneath the Triad was the end of the ridge at a high knoll called Sibley Point. This was our goal.
The beautiful ridge run from Sibley Peak to Sibley Point. The point is the high green knoll at the end of the ridge
The peaks around the Cascade Pass area were in full view and having spent a bit of time in that area it was super cool to look back at those peaks from this vantage point.
Forbidden Peak. One of the fifty classic climbs in North America
We were looking right into the Cascade Pass area and could see the parking lot and the entire trail leading up to Cascade Pass. Above the pass was the scene of one of my greatest climbs ever. Several days before our wedding in 1992, my bachelor party consisted of two of my best men, Dave Vidrik and Mike Kent climbing Sahale Mountain with me. This was the only time in my life I have ever crossed an active glacier with open crevasses. It was an epic adventure and one I will always cherish.
Boston Peak on the left and Sahale Mountain on the right above Boston Basin.
But I’m rambling now. Back to our story. The ridge out to Sibley Point was one of the most enjoyable hikes I have ever been on. It had lots of minor ups and downs, it was just airy enough on both sides to give you a sense of peril without really being perilous and the views were second to none all along the length of the ridge.
Greg on route along the ridge. Sibley Point and the Triad above him. Forbidden, Boston and Sahale distant right.
The peaks of the Ptarmigan Traverse. Cascade Pass is between Star Peak and Glory Mountain. The Ptarmigan runs south from Johannesburg to Dome
Three other factors led to this being one of the best days of hiking I have ever had. Number one was the weather which was warm enough for shorts and a t-shirt. I think it was in the upper 60’s but we had a very pleasant breeze up on the ridge that kept the air perfect for hiking. Number two was that the breeze was just strong enough to keep any bugs away and we had zero issues with skeeters or flies on this trip. Number three, and this cannot be overstated was that we had the entire ridge to ourselves. Hidden Lakes Peak trail is very popular due to its scenic value but once we cut off of the main trail we left all the other hikers behind us. There is added value to a hike where you are completely alone. It gives you a sense of remoteness and makes you feel as if you are the first to have ever been there. Such was the case on our ridge. We had made great time so we literally ambled along the ridge, taking many photos and soaking up the scenery along the way. When we finally reached Sibley Point we were directly below the Triad and right in front of the incredible Eldorado Peak. It was as beautiful a panorama as I’ve ever laid eyes on.
The view from Sibley Point
Greg from the end of Sibley Point. From left to right: Early Morning Spire, Dorado Needle, Eldorado Peak, The Triad
Looking back on our ridge run. Sibley Pass is the low point between Hidden Lakes Peak and SIbley Peak (green knob in center)
Hidden Lakes Peak
Sublime indeed!
Yours truly with Eldo and The Triad
At Sibley Pass with Mt Baker behind. Just a spectacular day!