Whos dunnit .. Chikamin South Couloirs from Summit

These lines have haunted me since I moved to Seattle.  Sadly, this box remains unchecked on my list of to dos.  Anybody on TAY done it?

No takers??

I'm really curious about the time of year, route, snowpack considerations and trip planning that went into this line, or anything off the ridge. It's a slog back there for sure, and I'd love to hear route alternatives.



B

Martin Volken and party descended the SW flank Chikamin Peak during their "Snoqualmie Haute Route" trip in June 1999. I don't know exactly where they went and I don't know if they skied or booted it.

My party ascended Chikamin carrying skis in June 2002 while doing a slightly different route in the opposite direction. We climbed (on crampons, in the morning) up the SW flank to the north (looker's left) of your picture. The slope was pretty steep, but I'm sure it would be skiable with softer afternoon conditions.

The quickest way into this area is probably the Gold Creek trail to Joe Lake. Both Martin's group and my group took a longer but more scenic route roughly following the Crest Trail from Snoqualmie Pass. That route requires a full day to reach Huckleberry-Chikamin saddle.

Early June is probably a good time to go. You should be able to see the condition of the gullies on Chickamin from I-90. The gully in your picture may not be continuous anymore. But the ones to the left (out of the picture) should be fine.