Dragontail Peak/Backbone Ridge with Fin Direct

Getting There

Drive US-2 east to Leavenworth. Just before entering town, turn right on Icicle Creek Road. Follow Road 8.5 miles to Bridge Creek Campground. Turn left and drive through campground, cross the river to Eightmile Creek Road (Forest Road 7601). Drive 4 mi to start of Lake Stuart Trailhead (3,600 ft).

APPROACH

Take Lake Stuart Trail for 2.5 mi, then go left on the Colchuck Lake Trail. Reach Colchuck Lake (5,570 ft) in another 1.8 mi. There are campsites on both the west side and the south end of the lake. Camp as near the south end as possible.

ASCENT ROUTE

From Colchuck lake, climb the talus leading to the Colchuck Glacier moraine. Ascend the moraine to 6,800 feet in 14 pitches of climbing ranging from low Class 5 to 5.9. See Selected Climbs in the Cascades, Vol 1 for pitch by pitch descriptions.

DESCENT ROUTE

Descend southeast to the saddle, then east on a long snow slope to Aasgard Pass. From Aasgard Pass descend to Colchuck Lake. Routefinding from Aasgard Pass can be tricky: stay to center left at top to avoid cliffs; below cliffs move to right side of gully.

TRIP PROFILE

EQUIPMENT

Ice ax, crampons, and a medium rack to 3 inches plus some large, 5-6-inch pieces.

NOTES 

• If you plan to stay overnight during May through October you will need an Enchantments Wilderness Area permit.

• Suitable Activities: Climbing
• Climbing Category: Intermediate Alpine
• Seasons: June, July, August, September
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Intermediate Rock Climb
• Length: 12.0 mi
• Elevation Gain: 4,440 ft
• High Point: 8,840 ft

• Land Manager: Okanogan-Wenatchee National Forests
  The Enchantments, Wenatchee River Ranger District (OWNF)
• Parking Permit Required: Northwest Forest Pass
• Recommended Party Size: 8
• Maximum Party Size: 8
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 8