Colchuck Peak | WA100: Peak 12/100
#WA100Project
Colchuck Peak is located on the traditional lands of the Wenatchi, Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla, and Yakama, among other Indigenous Peoples, past and present.
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The 33rd highest peak on the Bulger List is a prominent peak in the Stuart Range. I joined my friend and fellow photographer Joe Tobiason for this one, approaching via Colchuck Lake and taking the Colchuck Glacier route.
Crossing the iconic log bridge over Mountaineer Creek on the way up to Colchuck Lake and our route up the peak.
First sighting of our objective, Colchuck Peak. We planned to ascend the snowfields beneath it to reach the col connecting the peak and nearby Dragontail Peak (out of frame, left).
Ascending the boulder fields up from Colchuck Lake to reach the consistent snow.
The wide snowy basin at 6400 feet elevation.
Looking back down at Colchuck Lake, and its fantastic turquoise swirls.
The patterns and striations on the rock at the base of the Dragontail’s north face kept my eyes fully engaged.
Nearing the 8000 foot col, also known as Banshee Pass, which gave access to the scramble route up to the summit.
The final 15 feet of scrambling to Colchuck’s summit proper.
Summit selfie, a custom of my previous 50 PEAKS project and the current project.
Joe on the summit proper, with views of Mount Stuart in the background.
A close-up of Argonaut Peak immediately to the south, yet another peak I will be climbing for this project.
While there wasn’t visibility to see Mount Rainier from the summit, we did spot this view back at Banshee Pass. We were pleased Tahoma made her appearance, despite a little late.
NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT:
During this project, I will collaborate with local and national nonprofit groups to spread awareness, to fundraise, to highlight their mission and programs, and sometimes to join representatives of these groups in climbing. My nonprofits will include groups that serve women in the outdoors; Black, Indigenous, and People of Color climbers; LGBTQ+ adventurers, and other underserved and underrepresented group members.
Washington Trails Association (WTA) mobilizes hikers and everyone who loves the outdoors to explore, steward, and champion trails and public lands. Through its “Trails for Everyone” initiative, it’s fighting to create safe, welcoming, and inclusive experiences on trail. Because trails and access to the outdoors are a must-have.
THE WA100 PROJECT
Over the 2023-24 climbings seasons, Scott Kranz is embarking on a personal journey to climb and document Washington state's 100 highest peaks. These summits are all in the Cascades, the mountain range that transformed his life. His aim behind this project is to celebrate the ways in which we connect with our local landscapes while also giving back by uplifting and supporting the outdoor community and organizations that strive for inclusivity and accessibility in outdoor spaces.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Scott Kranz is a full-time outdoor photographer and filmmaker based in Seattle. Born and raised in Minnesota, Scott moved to Washington State in 2013 and first explored the Cascade Range, which sparked a lifelong love of outdoor adventure and photography. Since, he’s come to partner with some of the world’s leading brands and shot on all seven continents.