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For the 3rd year in a row I started hiking up the Piney River Trail. For the 2nd time I saw a moose in the lake, scaring this one into the forest. This time, my goal was to copy rpb13's TR from 2010 on Peak's G&F.
There are now two large cairns at the Kneeknocker/Upper Piney junction, but somehow I missed the right one and started heading up and left. After a 20-30 minute detour, I reached the Pine River Trail again. Shortly thereafter, I was caught by a very fast hiker who had designs on a ridge run. I drafted off him for the next 1.5 miles and then never saw him again.
obstacles to G
At about 10400', I left the trail and started bushwhacking towards the Ripshaw Ridge. My goal was the F/G saddle, but I guess I wasn't committed enough and was lured by pleasant slopes to the south.
looking back to ascent saddle(brown patch right of H)
In the end, I hit the ridge at the saddle just left(north) of Peak H, maybe 1/2 a mile from Peak G. I hadn't really studied this section, so I just took it as it came.
false summit
There were a number of ups and downs, with some exposure and a few class 4-ish moves. Fortunately, the hardest moves were not too exposed. I used my height to advantage in a couple places, extending and dropping to solid ground.
still not there
Finally, after several false summits, I reached Peak G, maybe an hour after hitting the ridge.
Powell from G
From G, I downclimbed, then traversed a little and bypassed the main tower on the right, using another 'extension' move after passing the tower.
view east
initial descent off G
snowfield below F/G saddle
There were great views everywhere. From the F/G saddle, I descended as recommended to get around a wall, and the climb up F was straightforward enough.
gorgeous Gore lakes
G from F
descent off F
I finally found the 'right' gully for the descent, then enjoyed a little hail/rain in the trees to cool things off.
As always, another spectacular Gore day!
Thumbnails for uploaded photos (click to open slideshow):
Nice work Lane. I was wondering how these went from Piney Lake. Its always nice to see part of the Ripsaw up close. I hope to get up this one later this year, perhaps from a camp at Bubble Lake.
Now I know where to find the turnoff to the pass for next time, but it's not obvious. I bet it was way more fun descending via the rest of the ridge than going down your scree gully.
I had more than one stumble down that gully - at least I cleaned it out some for the next person. Amazing how quickly you did the whole route: Piney Lake to G to C and back in 8 hours!!!
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