Trip Report
Alpine Scramble - Malachite Peak
Beautiful area with good camping around Rock Lake. Lots of traversing on stable boulders ending with a fun class 4 scramble to the summit with stunning views.
Susan Shih
- Fri, Aug 2, 2024 — Sun, Aug 4, 2024
- Alpine Scramble - Malachite Peak
- Malachite Peak
- Scrambling
- Successful
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- Road suitable for all vehicles
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The long gravel road to the Evans Lake Trailhead has a few potholes, but is suitable for all vehicles. NW Forest Parking Pass or equivalent required for parking. No privy available. Entrance to the trail is between Evans Lake and the end of the road where we parked.
I again led this as a leisurely trip (3 days) so my husband, Mark and another on the trip could fish in the evening and early morning.
We left the TH on a hot Friday around 3:15pm. The trail, similar to a fisherman's trail was steep from the start. About 1400' gain in 1 mile. The 2nd mile was downhill to our campsite at lovely, Rock Lake. Our route the next day will have us climb about 200' from the lake and traverse north as we parallel the lake.
Traversing above Rock Lake.
Zooming down on our campsite on the bluff above Rock Lake.
We've finished traversing for now and at the creek that runs between an un-named upper lake and Rock Lake. We'll take a break here.
Almost at the unnamed lake.
The un-named lake.
After yet another break, we continue north, climbing up to the left because it's difficult walking around the shoreline. Looking back.
About half a mile from the un-named lake we climb to a notch where beautiful Panorama Lake and a host of peaks come into view.
From the notch we loose a little elevation and start traversing again while paralleling Panorama Lake below.
Traversing to the large saddle above.
Almost at the large saddle. Looking back from where we came. Panorama Lake below.
From the saddle we get our first view of Malachite Peak.
Heading down from the saddle. Our route will be to the notch on the west side of the peak and then up a gully to the summit.
Heading to the notch. Choose your own path. We went climbers left up the solid benches.
Looking back. Panorama Lake below.
At the notch. Purvis Lake below.
The exposed, but easy step around right before heading up the west gully.
Fun Class 4 scrambling to the summit.
Looking down.
Summit success!
Views from near the summit.
Looking north. Purvis Lake on the left and Panorama Lake on the right.
The descent after a long lunch on the summit. We set up a handline using an established anchor around a tree about 30' from the summit for those who want it.
It's one at a time here. 
Out of the Class 4 gully and our route back to the saddle above Panorama Lake.
A last look at Rock Lake the morning of day 3 before getting back to the trailhead around 11:30am.
Fun and relaxing weekend with a great group.