For my probable last non-snow hike of the year I went with a group to Twin Peaks at Eklutna Lake just north of Anchorage and part of the Chugach Mountains. I don't know what the mileage was (10-12 miles?) but it was 4,000 ft. elevation gain with a very tough scramble (Class 3-4). A group with ropes turned back! There were only two spots where I somewhat uncomfortable but don't have clear pictures of those sections. One of them was a tough wall scaling with snow footholds and a ledge after the snow. On the approach there was a small section north facing that was snow covered and katoohlas were very helpful. The entire hike took 9 1/2 hours and we finished just before dark at 7:00 pm (days are getting shorter quickly--6 minutes a day). The pictures I do have make it look nastier than it was.
Full album is here:
Full AlbumMisty Early Morning Eklutna Lake:
Twin Peaks:
Frozen Creek Crossing:
Long Approach with dall sheep in the distance:
Dall Sheep---before we got too close we counted at least 30 dall sheep:
Decision Time, do we continue? Looking for a route:
Scrambling:
Ledge Walking:
View from Near Top:
Is this still considered a Scramble?
More Ledge Walking Up:
Black & White:
Knik Glacier:
Summit Pic--and yes the small dog made it with very little help:
