Isolation

10/3/2010 - Isolation Peak, Mahana Peak & Tanima Peak

Distance: ~18 miles

Elevation Gain: ~6200’

Time: ~11 hours

I left Wild Basin TH at 8:10 am and hiked up to Bluebird Lake. From there, I contoured around the north side of the lake and up to Isolation Lake. I was still not sure if I wanted to climb Isolation Peak or Mahana Peak first. I opted for Isolation Peak and was probably the best way to go. The climb up to Isolation was easy and provided some of the best views of the day. From the summit, I followed the north ridge, then descended to the Isolation Peak-Mahana Peak saddle and up Mahana Peak; another easy summit. Next, I descended to the small saddle just south of Frigid Lake. From here I could see all the snow below the saddle above the lake and decided to continue east on higher ground before continuing north and around the east side of the lake. The crux of the day was descending into the Indigo Pond drainage. This required some 5.easy downclimbing on loose terrain. Soon I was in the drainage and had to climb sandy slopes to gain the Tanima Peak-The Cleaver saddle. I followed the ridge to Tanima Peak and was greeted by some flurries. Finally, I descended Grand-Boulder Pass and followed the trails back to the TH.

Mahana Peak above Frigid Lake.

Longs Peak & Mount Meeker from Isolation Peak

Isolation Peak from Mahana Peak

Copeland Mountain from Mahana Peak

Eagles Beak from above Frigid Lake

Mount Alice from above Tanima Peak’s west ridge

Map