Glacier Mountaineering Society

Mon, Jul 18 2011 - Medicine Pk., Apistoki Basin (View Original Event Details)

Coordinator(s):		Greg Kushnak
Participants:		Sue Braastad, Jane Hunt, Greg Kushnak, Phalen Schuler, Connie Schuler, Allison McCarthy, Pat Keane-Richmond, Charlie Richmond, Ian MacCallum

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Write Up:
Our climb to Medicine Peak was via the Scenic Point Trail, and was followed by a descent into the upper cirque of Appistoki Basin. During the approach hike, we studied the descent route from several viewpoints. At first, it seemed daunting, but eventually a doable route through the cliff bands was identified. Ascending the summit slope of Medicine Peak, we encountered a continuous series of rock gardens of many designs with flowers of every color. That section is a transition zone between Apikuni & Grinnell argillite rocks, which added extra color to the gardens. On the rounded false summit, about 150 yards before reaching the summit cairn and survey pin, was a 3-sided rock shelter that was used long ago as vision-quest site by the Indians. From Medicine summit, we traversed past the next highest hump, and then descended (with some trepidation) to the cirque via a series of ramps. Successive ramps were accessed by dropping through openings in the cliff bands. This descent passed through a dazzling profusion of sky-pilot flowers (an alpine version of Jacob’s ladder). The meandering stream in the cirque was idyllic, with splendid miniature waterfalls, bordered by lush meadows and patches of subalpine fir krumholz. We dropped out of the cirque on its NW side and traversed to about 6000’ elev to rejoin the Scenic Point Trail. The hike was about 9 miles & 3400’ vertical, taking 8 hours at a leisurely pace. Pictured on the summit of Medicine Peak, L to R: George Schuler, Connie Schuler, Sue Braastad, Charlie Richmond, Pat Keane-Richmond, Ian MacCallum, Allison McCarthy, Jane Hunt and Greg Kushnak, (Flinsch Peak above Pat’s left shoulder).

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.