Davis Peak (moderate pace, advanced skills)

Photo courtesy of Summitpost.org

DEPENDENT ON WEATHER AND CONDITIONS, MAY BE RESCHEDULE OR CANCELLED IF CONDITIONS NOT FAVORABLE. Davis Peak is just north of Highway 20 and west of Ross Lake in the North Cascades. It sits south of the Southern Picket Range. The trailhead for the climb is at the well-known Gorge Creek Falls. The distance each way from car to summit is around 3 miles, but gains around 6000 feet of elevation, all off-trail. It entails climbing through potentially heavy brush and vegetation, steep and loose rock slabs (class 3+), and blowdown trees just to get to the snow part. The standard ridge route is technical. I plan to take "non-technical" route that traverses below the main ridge to the west. This route will still involve climbing a boulder field, and a steep snow and ice section to get to the summit. So expect to get a full day of adventure. Normally, this is an early season climb. We may encounter less than ideal conditions, but let's see what we get. Expect to get dirty, and possibly ticks. I would suggest wearing clothes with long sleeves that you don't mind getting dirty and possibly scratched up. Also, I like to spray clothes with Permethrin as a tick repellent.

Stats:
Distance: 6+ miles
Highest Elevation gain: 7,051 feet
Elevation: 6,000 feet

Resources:
https://www.summitpost.org/davis-peak/257251

Trip reports:
https://www.nwhikers.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=8039625

GPS link:
https://www.peakbagger.com/climber/ascent.aspx?aid=2815338

I'm looking for a team of 3 to 4 capable people to join me. All participants should be comfortable with steep mixed (snow, ice, and rock) terrain, and exposure. We may also set up a running belay or handline in steep sections depending on people's comfort level. Participants should be ok going at a moderate (not fast) pace, and able to pack in team gear as necessary.

The Plan (subject to change):

Saturday
4:30 AM Meet at the Park and Ride and arrange carpools. I would like to be at the trail by 7 AM at the latest. I can also meet people at Northgate TC if coming from further south in Seattle.

I'm not sure when we will arrive at the summit. I've heard that most people take at least 12 to 14 hours round trip, so expect at least that long.

If we arrive at the trailhead late, and all tired, expect that the driver may need to sleep for a few hours before heading back. You might want to bring sleeping provisions just in case.

I'M OPEN TO CHANGING THE SCHEDULE TO A FRIDAY NIGHT CAR CAMP IF PEOPLE PREFER. WE CAN DISCUSS THAT WHEN THE GROUP IS DECIDED.

What to bring:

Pack, warm clothing layers (expect rain, snow, and wind), hiking or mountaineering boots, crampons, helmet, ice axes (two ice axes or ice tools are recommended), snowshoes, hiking poles, navigation: map, compass, and GPS if you have it, emergency bivy, food and water for the day (2-3 liters minimum), sun protection, headlamp, Sit pad, 10 essentials not already mentioned, and sleeping provisions in case we need to sleep at the trailhead before leaving (blanket, pillow, bivy, pad) Group gear: Bring a picket if you have one. Drivers should have directions and NW forest pass or equivalent. We may not need all this equipment, but better to have it.
Everyone bring good cheer!

Trailhead location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Lr8oEuQviJWkCb1Z9