Hinman - 1st ascent by a corgi (?) - tourist route from La Bohn LAkes 7/7/2008
Trip: Hinman - 1st ascent by a Welsh corgi without supplemental oxygen on a Monday.
Date: 7/7/2008
Trip Report:This is a really nice, easy climb with the family, or just the family dog. Great place to introduce youngsters or newbies to to a real alpine view. Unless you get off-route in a whiteout, or the snow is hard, it's easy terrain. Do it in EARLY SEASON when there's lots of snow; later on, it's a rock pile, not corgi-friendly. Don't wander off unroped on the glaciers. We did this July 7 in a VERY heavy snow year. Took 3 days, snoozing the 2nd day away in a whiteout. You could do it in 2 days if you like death marches.
Surprised to see NOBODY here on July 4 weekend; where the BLEEP are the kids these days? Home playing effing video games!? We're gonna need them next time They try to strip mine this place (not joking). Met a family up here long ago.
On the knob bove La Bohn lakes, there is a tiny bare-rock area where a small party can bivvy with minimal impact if you don't move rocks around. Don't camp down in Necklace Valley unless you have good mosquito insurance.
Ascend the obvious route up from La Bohn Lakes, then keep the ridge on your right, staying left of the crest. Stay on the snow unless you love rock-hopping on sharp rocks, hard on doggie's footpads. I tried this once in late season and it wasn't so great.
Gear Notes:ice axe, conceivably crampons but not this time, extra dog treats, sipping whiskey and book for the white-out.
Approach Notes:From the end of Necklace Valley, ascend snow to the notch (ice axe, likely the only time you'll need it). In late season (not advised), ascend left edge of talus (snow in photo), then follow track that almost follows the outfall (left edge of snow in photo). You can also approach from the Middle Fork Snoqualmie R. (Chain Lakes), probably longer but easier, avoiding the Necklace Valley headwall which is a bit steep, the hardest part of this climb. But Necklace Valley is a nice hike.
