Mount Townsend - ski/split, February 21
Eric Henry and I paired-up for an attempt at skiing/riding the south slopes of Mount Townsend. I first spied the objective while climbing on nearby Gunn Peak several years ago and was inspired to check the area out after learning of the first-come-first-served cabin located at Eagle Lake, which itself lies directly below the peak. Our approach would follow the lesser-traveled path up Eagle Creek Valley, which our beta suggested was significantly shorter and more direct than the standard Barclay Lake approach. Well, in the summer at least.
We endured an interminable 4-hour slog up forest roads starting from a pullout along the Beckler River Road only to reach the obscure 'trailhead' at an otherwise unremarkable switchback. From there however it only took us about 20 minutes to reach the slope we intended to ski. We were hoping for corn on this sunny day, which we found along with wind-affected crud and a slight crust. We weren't planning on staying the night in the cabin, but in the right conditions and preferably with a sled assist, this would be the ideal spot to spend a weekend exploring the many lines to be had.
We endured an interminable 4-hour slog up forest roads starting from a pullout along the Beckler River Road only to reach the obscure 'trailhead' at an otherwise unremarkable switchback. From there however it only took us about 20 minutes to reach the slope we intended to ski. We were hoping for corn on this sunny day, which we found along with wind-affected crud and a slight crust. We weren't planning on staying the night in the cabin, but in the right conditions and preferably with a sled assist, this would be the ideal spot to spend a weekend exploring the many lines to be had.
