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Base Camp
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- Statistics:
- Date Hiked: July 27, 2006
- Miles Hiked: 6.5
- Elevation Gain: 3,700'
- Hiking Partner(s): None
- Description:
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This particular hike was essentially a ridge hike around the Crystal Creek
Basin. It allowed me to summit four 13ers including Mount Helen
(13,164'), Father Dyer Peak (13,615'), Crystal Peak (13,852'), and Peak 10
(13,633'). It was a very enjoyable hike with great views almost the
entire day. Although I spotted hikers on all of the surrounding
peaks, I only ran into two people who had driven to the Briar Rose Mine
and were struggling to get the entire 400' to Peak 10.
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I started at the junction of Spruce Creek Road and the aqueduct road east
of Mount Helen. After hiking up the road just a short way, I turned
left onto the Wheeler Trail. I was only on the trail for about five
minutes when I started west towards the east slopes of Mount Helen.
The initial section below treeline was the steepest and then once beyond
the trees the grade eased. The slopes to the summit of Mount Helen
were grassy and very easy to hike. My only recommendation on this
section of the hike is to not go to far north on the Wheeler Trail because
the north face of Mount Helen cliffs out and would be difficult to climb.
Once on Helen's summit you can view many of the surrounding peaks and see
the next obstacle.
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Father Dyer's east ridge is visible; however, I would be taking the ridge
connecting Helen and Father Dyer. This was the only section of the
day that had any Class 3 scrambling, and most of this is near Point 13400.
I dropped off the ridge a couple of times to the south, but for the most
part you can stay directly on it. The final climb to Father Dyer has
some scrambling too if you stay directly on the ridge and don't skirt it
to the left. With two peaks down and two to go, I didn't spend much
time on any of the summits.
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The ridge from Father Dyer to Crystal is pretty mellow along with the
ridge between Crystal and Peak 10. After completing the loop, I
simply hiked down the east slopes of Peak 10 and picked up the Wheeler
Trail which took me right back to my vehicle. The last mile of
Spruce Creek Road was fairly rough, but I did see a couple of passenger
vehicles at the junction when I returned. It took me 6 hours to
complete the hike, and would recommend it to anyone wanting to add to
their peak list.
- Maps:
- Click here
to view a
2D
map of the area where this hike is located.
- Photographs:
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