Bryant and Hemlock Peak - moderate pace, good terrain and snow travel skills
Details
Above photo courtesy of Michael Songbird
Bryant and Hemlock Peaks are situated along the ridgeline between The Tooth and Chair Peak. Despite being lesser known, they involve solid scrambling and terrain traveling skills. The approach starts on the Denny Creek trail and going up to Hemlock Pass before we veer off for Bryant Peak. Expect stream crossings, bushwhacking, and some snow travel along the way. The climb itself involves steep, rocky, loose, and exposed class 3+ terrain. We may be traveling on rock, loose dirt, boulders, and steep snow. If we decide to climb Hemlock Peak as well, we may be going up a steep loose gully with veggie belays and rockfall potential. Good teamwork and situational awareness will be essential in overcoming any challenges we may face along the way.
Stats:
Distance: 10+ miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 3,500+ feet
Highest Point: 5,790 feet (Bryant Peak)
5,540 feet (Hemlock Peak)
Trip Reports
https://www.summitpost.org/bryant-peak-snoqualmie-pass/509739
https://www.mountaineers.org/activities/routes-places/bryant-hemlock-peaks
GPS with recent trip report:
https://www.peakbagger.com/climber/ascent.aspx?aid=3183349
GPS
https://www.peakbagger.com/climber/ascent.aspx?aid=2874205
Expect hiking on possible steep, slippery, exposed, and varied terrain (class 3+)in a variety of snow conditions and a mix of exposed rock, vegetation, and possible snow and ice. PARTICIPANTS SHOULD BE COMFORTABLE WITH THIS TYPE OF TERRAIN. Good situational awareness, snow travel skills, and teamwork are essential to have a fun and safe outing while avoiding hazards. The group pace should be moderate (around 2 miles per hour average). IF YOU RSVP, YOU WILL INITIALLY BE WAITLISTED. PLEASE ANSWER THE QUESTIONS, WHEN PROMPTED. I WILL ADD PEOPLE WHO ARE WITH APPROPRIATE SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND GEAR.
The Plan (subject to change):
7:00 AM Meet at the Park and Ride and arrange carpools. Let's plan to depart by 7:15.
8 AM meet at the trailhead. Have your bags packed so we can minimize time preparing.
12-3 PM Depending on the group pace we should arrive at the summit of Bryant Peak. Plan to spend about a half hour to enjoy the view, eat food, and relax at the summit. If we're running behind schedule, we'll spend less time at the summit though.
We will climb Hemlock Peak as well if there is time and interest.
We should arrive back at the trailhead by 5 or 6 PM but expect that we could be out later than that.
We can also stop for food on the way back if people want to. Each carpool should coordinate that beforehand.
What to bring:
Pack, warm clothing layers (expect rain, snow, and wind), hiking or mountaineering boots, microspikes, helmet, hiking poles, crampons, ice ax, 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. Microspikes and trekking poles optional, but could be helpful Drivers should have directions and NW forest pass or equivalent I will likely bring a rope for a handline for team gear.
Everyone bring good cheer!
Trailhead location (from Google Maps)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/feaQFA7T2hpWF6T46