Eightmile Mountain - strong with solid terrain & snow travel skills
Details
Cover photo courtesy of Summitpost.org.
Eightmile Mountain is one ofthe lesser known mountains in the Enchantmments. Regardless, it is a worthy enough objective. It sits next to Cashmere mountain and involves a similar approach. The approach itself involves getting to Eightmile Lake. Beyond the lake, we will venture off trail with some possible bushwhack through slide alder, bushwhacking, travel on steep snow, and class 3+ scramble to get to the summit. We plan to approach the mountain via the East Face route as described in the Summitpost link. Expect a full day of adventure. Read the trip reports in the links included for additional information on what to expect.
Stats:
Distance: 10 to 13 miles, roundtrip
Elevation Gain: 5,500+ feet
Highest Point: 8,000 feet
Trip Report with GPS link:
https://mountainflamingo.com/2017-06-11-eightmile-mountain/
Another trip report:
https://www.nwhikers.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=8029706
Resource:
https://www.summitpost.org/eightmile-mountain/850268#google_vignette
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). Participants should br comfortable with the terrain and conditions including travel on steep, exposed snow and rock (class 3+), bushwhack, and less than ideal conditions. 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):
Saturday:
5:30 AM Meet at the Park and Ride and arrange carpools. Plan to arrive a few minutes early so we can leave promptly. It's about a 2 1/2 hour drive to the trailhead so please arrive on time. Drivers should have enough fuel to get to the trailhead.
I'M ALSO OPEN TO THE POSSIBILITY OF CAR CAMPING FRIDAY EVENING NEAR THE TRAILHEAD SO WE CAN GET AN EARLIER START IN THE MORNING. WE CAN DISCUSS THAT IDEA IF ANYONE IS INTERESTED.
8 AM meet at the trailhead. Have your bags packed so we can minimize time preparing.
We should arrive at the summit by early afternoon. Plan to spend 20 to 30 minutes at the summit if we have enough time.
We should arrive back at the cars by early evening but expect that we could be out later than that.
If we get back real late, be prepared for the possibility that we may need to rest a few hours before heading home. If drivers are fatigued especially, it wouldn't be safe for them to drive.
What to bring:
Pack, warm clothing layers (expect rain, snow, and wind), hiking or mountaineering boots, crampons, microspikes, helmet, hiking poles, 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. Overnight camping gear including tent or bivy, sleeping bag and mat, stove and cooking provisions. Expect that we may camp on snow. Drivers should have directions and NW forest pass or equivalent. I will likely bring a shovel and handline rope for team gear.
Everyone bring good cheer!
Trailhead location (from Google Maps): https://maps.app.goo.gl/mqWC1mMMNazJKYLm9?g_st=ac