Glacier Mountaineering Society

Sun, Jun 27 2010 - 'Rambling Rose' Ridge to Otokomi (View Original Event Details)

Coordinator(s):		Larry Hiller
Participants:		Ken McDermott, Frank Wesolovski, Larry Hiller, Annie Gustafson, Casey Dunn, Paul Cogswell, Laurel R. Vielle, Joe Schletz

Write Up:
'Rambling Rose' Ridge rises on the north side above Otokomi Lake and Rose Basin. Much to the frustration of those who tried, the name cannot be found on any map. Having climbed the ridge for the first time last summer, I thought an appropriate name would draw attention to this excellent traverse route. 'Rambling Rose' seemed to be a suitable designation. The rock above the lake is indeed rose colored and the ridge does ramble. Regardless, historians would note that Rose Basin was apparently named after Charles Rose (aka Otokomi) in the 1880's, likely by George Bird Grinnell. Two factors contributed to the feeling that Sunday would be an excellent day. The weather was nearly perfect and Logan Pass had just opened a few days earlier. Even a large chunk of the 'Big Drift' that had fallen onto the G-T-T-S Road in the early morning hours didn't dampen our enthusiasm. Even being pulled over for speeding by a Park Ranger as we approached Rising Sun (thankfully with just a warning) was not discouraging for very long. Following the 5 mile trail hike to Otokomi Lake, the climb to the ridge was a fun scramble on Class 3 terrain gaining nearly 1000 vertical feet. The rock was very good by Glacier standards with plenty of room for the group to spread out. A rosy, picnic perch, offering peak views too numerous to mention, awaited at the ridge top. Both losing and regaining elevation, the route all the way to Otokomi was a pleasant stroll and the scenery never lacking. Yellow Mountain was shining brilliantly, living up to its name. Across to the southwest, both Jackson and Blackfoot still wore their winter coats. From the summit of Otokomi Mountain, Ken McDermott led us down through krumholtz, scree and cliff bands to intersect the trail a short distance above Rising Sun. The traverse required a full day, but we never really hurried and took lingering breaks to enjoy our surroundings. 'Rambling Rose' Ridge was a very fine outing on a beautiful, early summer day.

Have some photos from this event that you'd like to share in our photo album? Please forward them to Tim Anderson at twamontana@gmail.com. Please note that we prefer to receive the photos in approximately 640x480 or 750x500 pixels - do NOT send original high-res photos. If you have a LOT of photos, please submit up to twenty of your favorites (only) for a day event, or up to forty of your favourites for a multi-day event. Thank you.