Old Snowy, Snowgrass Flats

Activity Notes

This will be a long day but at a pace that will allow us to look for wildflowers,  marmots, pikas, and mountain goats while doing a moderate climb to the summit of Old Snowy. Distance: Climb will be close to 16 miles and 3300' of elevation gain, to 7,930 elevation at the summit. Poles will be needed for snow filed crossings and we may end up using microspikes depending on the conditions. Please keep checking back here for updates as we get close to the climb. Please see email from 7-12-23 don't forget a headlight and sunscreen and chapstick as part  of your 10 essentials   I strongly recommend driving up the night before (7-13-23) and camping out or staying in your car, or staying in a motel if thats more your thing. It is hard to see signs in the dark and the roads are unpaved forerst roads with no lights so driving up the morning of the climb is not a good idea. There is a rock scramble to the summit so applicants must be comfortable with 4th class scrambling on loose rock and scree.     DETAILS: (updated July 6th)  Spoke to a ranger in the area and there is late snow lingering this year.   We will all need to bring microspikes or Exospikes, and poles (both will be used for traction so please don't forget to bring them) Camping options : There are three options for camping/sleeping.  You can stay at a motel in town (there are two or three?). Camping: Berry Patch or Chambers Lake are the two choices.  Neither has running water so bring all the water you will need for the night before and 2-3 liters for the climb itself.  You can also stay in your car near the TH. I think Berry Patch needs a NW forest permit.  Chambrs Lake had a pit toilet last time I was there. Cautions: Bugs - I suggest bringing something to keep the bugs away from you (can be clothing, bug netting, bug spray - your choice. Sun - Please bring and use sunblock as the later part of th climb is very sun exposed. Snow - we will all want microspikes or exospikes for traction on the snow.  No ice axe needed.  Additional details were emailed out to all participants.  Please contact thee leader ASAP if you didn't get the email as it has important details.