Heart of the Missions: Glacier, Icefloe, and an attempt at Mountaineer

Matt walking down from Panoramic Peak with Lake of the Clouds and the glaciers of Glacier Peak as a backdrop.

The month of August was chock-full of outdoor recreation for me. It started with the week trip to the Thorofare; then after two nights at home, I went up to the Glacier Classic for three nights; and finally, after another two nights at home, I did a two night trip with Matt Roscoe up into the heart of the Mission Range. I went into it physically tired, but this turned out to be a truly spectacular and special outing. We set up a high camp below Panoramic Peak, and then on the in-between day, hiked out to the Garden Wall and across it to Mountaineer Peak. We weren't able to summit Mountaineer, because we were both sketched out by the class 4 ledge that you have to tackle when climbing Mountaineer from the Garden Wall. However, we backtracked and then bagged Glacier and Icefloe Peaks, both of which were on my must-do list. Staying out of the grizzly bear closure zone required hiking back up and over Glacier Peak on the return. It was a long, brutalizing, awesome day, and once back to camp we relaxed before dropping back down to the cars the next morning. As is always the case with Matt, the trip was one to remember. 

Matt and McDonald Peak

Heading up toward the Garden Wall from One Tree Pass.

Sunrise Glacier

Sunrise Glacier again, after crossing it.

Resting on the Garden Wall

Walking the Garden Wall out toward Mountaineer Peak.

Matt looking at the class 4 escape ledge that we opted not to do. Technically it isn't hard, but once you're there its loose with big exposure - a fall would be deadly.

Back along the Garden Wall at Matt and Mountaineer Peak.

The Summit of Glacier Peak, with McDonald in the background.

Lake of the Clouds and Panoramic Peak (left) and me traveling the ridge out to Icefloe Peak.

The summit of Icefloe, with McDonald and Sheep's Head int he background.

Glacier Peak and Mountaineer Peak on the back right.

Hiking back up to Panoramic Peak after a long day.