Stevens Peak, N. Idaho, part III

          Stevens Peak, N. Idaho, part III

        

          When writing about Stevens Peak I want to tell you about it all. The sudden, high-mountain terrain, the great views, the easy access, the hard days. The different people I’ve shared time with there, the myriad of lines to ski. I’ve spent a lot of my life up in that area; gave a lot of myself. In the final analysis, no article about this unique area would be complete without describing what I call the Triple Threat.

        What's been described as "an honest day’s outing", the T.T. begins with a 4 to 6-hour skin session, dependent on snow conditions and your level of fitness, gaining the summit (6838’), by any means. There are only a couple logical ways, just get there alive. Hopefully, it’s cold, sunny, and windless, but don’t count on it. If you haven’t checked your avy beacons before now, do so; and, you’re an idiot; that should be done before leaving the vehicles.

Now a descent; pick any shot off the N.W. face. Try not to smile. Long Strange Trip seems to be the favorite, as well as the safest. If you choose the Mainline, scout it well; probably best to climb it first. Careful here; complex avalanche potential as well as “don’t fall” situations exist. After 1000’ of goodness we reach a safe zone, a fine place to fuel up, don skins, and snap a few photos. From here we’ll climb steeply to the N.E., up towards the G-Point (6540’), the 1st rocky high point in the N/N.E. trending main ridge off the peak that separates the Stevens Lakes and Lone Lake basins.

After a quick snack, bypass the point on its east side and ski north along the ridge until you think you’re far enough, and go a little more before dropping into the west. The idea is to hit the outlet of the lake, approximately 5560’; if you’re not north enough, you may have to circumnavigate Lone Lake to the south. The trees are naturally gladed and the slope angle just keeps increasing; near the lake, it’s 50+ degrees.

         Here it’s decision time. Time to evaluate conditions, the snow, and your own. If all is in order, put the skins back on; we’re headed back up, again to the N.E., for the final lift to the high point at the north end of the same ridge we were on earlier, elevation 6394’ (I don’t have a name for this point yet). Once on top, the infamous Death Row chutes line the hillside below us to the west. Plenty of exposed rock. Caution here, a few have met GOD on these very slopes, and I’m not kidding. We’ll descend steeply to approximately 5200’ before the final safety meeting, in preparation for the luge run (or hike) back to the truck, @ 3600’-4000’, depending on where you’re parked. Stay left of the creek until you get to the intersection of roads on the old railroad grade.

         If you’re not pooped by this time, I have some younger friends that could wear you out. Then again, maybe not.

         Note: Sorry, this is not a route for neophytes; in fact, this is descriptive of most real estate on or around Stevens Pk. And while not an impressive amount of elevation gain and loss, most of the day is spent in potentially hazardous terrain. Please be safe.

         Scott A. Lewis, Winter 2009/10