Glacier Mountaineering Society

Mon, Jul 16 2012 - Bearhead Mountain (View Original Event Details)

Coordinator(s):		Darrel Coverdell
Participants:		Darrel Coverdell, Warren Lane, Calin Pilskalns, Jim Murphy

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Write Up:
Many folks have hiked to Firebrand Pass on the south side of Glacier Park and have observed Red Crow Mountain and the south peak of Bearhead Mountain. Red Crow is often climbed; however, the south peak of Bearhead Mountain is seldom if ever, climbed in spite of its formidable appearance. A climb up to that peak was the goal of this GMS climb. Those who wanted could then traverse the ridge north to the true summit of Bearhead Mountain.. Three GMS folks and a guest hiked the trail towards Firebrand Pass leaving he trail as it entered the basin below the pass. From there, we bushwhacked past Lena Lake and up to the saddle between Bearhead and Red Crow Mountains. At that point, the real climb began. The lower half of the climb was up through steep loose scree. From there to the top, it was route finding through small cliffs and ledges to the summit. The climb had mostly easy ledges, but some were more challenging. For one small cliff, we found a tunnel under a large slab that afforded access to the next level. The summit block was impressive and afforded great views to the Firebrand Pass area, down Ole Creek and down Midvale Creek. Two of the GMS folks had not been to the true summit of Bearhead, so they traversed the ridge and reached that summit. The return hike to the trailhead was relaxed with some time spent at a beautiful display of flowers is the cirque above Lene Lake. Those participating in the climb were Warren Lane, Calin Pilsaklns, Darrel Coverdell, and his guest Jim Murphy.

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.