Oakes Peak (winter)

Started from gate on Rd 1062 off Bacon Creek Rd under high clouds around 8:15. Short road walk and then up through the woods in relatively pleasant open forest. Headed up in a northerly direction using several shorter sections of old road where compatible with direction. Snowshoes at about 3,000 ft. Fresh snow over past week with reasonable conditions for snowshoeing. Slope up to final summit has one short section of steeper snow but in softer conditions represented no issues. The summit has outstanding views of the North Cascades and points around. Definitely a winter scramble worth doing, considered to have safer avalanche terrain. Summited 2:30. Back at cars 6:30-7:00 Good Group. Elevation gain 5,200. Mileage 9.5.