WillhiteWeb.com - Hiking, Climbing and Travel
Lane Peak is probably the most climbed Tatoosh Range peak in the winter. The couloirs on the north side facing paradise are too tempting for those who like steep routes. If there is a good amount of snow filling the chutes, they are generally safe for climbing. I have done the Zipper Route, the other two are based on others descriptions.
Lane Peak
Distance: 2 miles
Elevation Gain: 2,000 feet
Summit Elevation: 6,012 feet
Access Rating: Paved
In winter, drive up from the Nisqually Entrance to Narada Falls. Climb up to the Stevens Canyon Road and follow toward Reflection Lake. At the big bend, leave the road and drop town to Tatoosh Creek. Get under the north face of lane and go up.
Access:
The most popular couloir is called The Zipper. This route starts out at around a 40 degree angle increasing to about 45 degrees. The walls go from around 40 feet wide to 20 feet wide near the top. At the top of the couloir, a short but avalanche prone climb up the southeast face is required.
The Zipper Route:
Lovers Lane is the steepest and narrowest of the three. It tops out on a ridge above The Zipper route, requiring a rappel down to the Zipper route and going up the final 300 feet of that route. This route is said to be 40-60 degrees.
Lovers Lane Route:
This is the easiest couloir. It goes up a broad couloir to a notch in the west ridge. From there, you continue around to the south face and climb the standard route to the summit.
The Fly Route:
The easiest descent is the saddle between Lane and Denman. Drop from there into the basin below. This would also be the easiest or safest way up to the summit.
Getting Down:
Photo from Clucks on Summitpost.org
Photo from Clucks on Summitpost.org
A meadow below the route
The Zipper Route
The Zipper
