Mt. Bailey — 2023 Eclipse Experience

Activity Notes

The Annular Solar Eclipse of 2023 will first touch North America on Saturday, October 14th at 9:15am near Coos Bay, Oregon, and follow an arcing track through Utah to Texas to Central America.

https://www.greatamericaneclipse.com/october-14-2023

Mt. Bailey is situated directly in the center of the eclipse “Path of Annularity”. Within this path the black disk of the moon will be fully consumed between the earth and sun, producing a thin “ring of fire” around the edge of the moon for several minutes.

Bailey’s large, flat summit and unobstructed views at 8,375’ should provide an ideal high altitude platform for viewing this spectacular celestial show. Terrestrial views from the summit span from the Three Sisters to the North to Mt. Shasta to the South, and its near neighbors of Thielsen, Crater Lake and Diamond Peak.

The goal of this climb is to achieve a superior viewing experience for the eclipse, so schedule flexibility will be required of participants.  In mid-October, weather in the Southern Cascades can be highly variable, from balmy summer-like to early winter blizzard.  Based on anticipated weather conditions, 48 hours prior to the eclipse the climb leader will communicate one of three scenarios:

(A)  If clear, mild weather is predicted, we’ll depart from the Mt. Bailey Trailhead (#1451) at 2pm on Friday, October 13th.  The team will reach the summit before 6pm and “dry camp” — no tents, minimal hot water cooking, just sleeping bags, pads and bivy sacks if desired — following “leave no trace” principles. We’ll enjoy a beautiful night on the broad flat summit of Bailey and have a front row seat for the eclipse at 9:15am. We’ll then descend, returning to the trailhead at approximately noon on Saturday.

(B)  If clear, but cold and/or windy conditions are predicted, we’ll depart from the Mt. Bailey Trailhead (#1451) in an alpine start at approximately 4:00am on Saturday, October 14th. We’ll reach the summit with at least one hour to prepare for the eclipse at 9:15, descending soon afterwards.

(C)  If the weather is predicted to be stormy or predominantly cloudy, the eclipse viewing goal is negated and the climb will be cancelled.

Solid conditioning, but no technical skills are needed for this route.

Distance:  10.6 miles

Gain:  3,141’