Brown and Rocktip Peaks May 6 2016
 

A week ago, Bob and I hiked through the old "Silvertipped" ski area on our way to Mount Tearse. Conditions on the ground were near perfect, but increasing cloud cover made it difficult to see each other or any of the anticipated views by the time we reached the top. A pact was made to return to the valley soon for a trip to Brown Peak. Plans were solidified by the addition of a couple other guys who were interested. The name "Brown Peak" appears on one of the Federal Maps at the point shown as 6553ft along the ridge. Named for serviceman R. Brown, the Mountain Project book shows the summit as the 7000ft peak on the divide, which is also where they placed the cross.


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In any case, things got underway once we met up with Vlad and Simon at Sunshine Valley. They followed us up to the spur road which splits from the Silvertipped access, then partways along to the first switchback where we parked both vehicles. Walking up the road, then through the lower half of the cut block, we angled off towards the woods. Time was flying by as we chatted away, passing through some minor cliff bands along a route marked with orange ribbons. The first snowpatches showed up around the 5500ft level, becoming a consistent pack once onto the first bump. Our first view of Brown and Rocktip appeared.
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One minor gap in the ridgeline had us employ the ice axes briefly, then travel along more pleasant terrain over another bump.


Bob with the second bump behind.
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Ahead lay the fine snow bowl,with all of us picking various lines to the crest.
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At this height the neighboring peaks made a fine backdrop.
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By this time we'd re-grouped for the final walk across the rusty talus fields, a marvelous final section before the summit.
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Simon and Vlad had declared their intention to make an attempt on Rocktip from the beginning. Bob staying behind with Sierra was also part of the plan, which left me with a choice.


Decisions, decisions...
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Someone forgot their ice axe and had to backtrack to Brown, leaving Vlad and I up front. We chose to head up through the rock step, which was tame and short enough for me to lead on thin ledges. Above the scramble, the rock flattened out and I got a nice shot of the guys behind me, then above as they crossed the final slopes.
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The top was fairly comfortable,but more difficult ground lies ahead as you can see in the next shot, in case you're wondering about Silvertip.
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Rocktip is a fine viewpoint, and I was able to get some photos for future reference, but my favorite one's were the view back to Brown and a couple summit shots.
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It took a bit of effort, though we did pry Simon off the summit and started to head back. The steep snow slopes to the left of the rock were prime for walking down in the late afternoon sun.At one spot we had to cut back around a steep corner, thanks to Vlad for making some nice steps for me on that section. Soon we were on easy ground trudging our way back to Bob and Sierra.





Bob had passed the time watching our ascent and downing a couple IPA's, then taking a quick snooze. In his refreshed state of mind, Vlad was almost able to persuade him to take the East ridge down, then traversing Goldtip on the return. I took Simon's advice and started to walk back the way we came up. Soon enough the boys were behind me, then passed as I took a side route along the top of the bowl.


See them down there?
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The lighting was getting better on the rusty rocks.
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Once again we re-grouped before climbing back up the 6553ft bump.


Looking back to where we'd been.
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Simon and Vlad taking their last shots of the day.
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Following our tracks back down to the forest, we picked up the flags again, making good time in the increasing darkness. With plenty of light remaining, we finished up back at the trucks around 8 o'clock. After a beer or two the chilly night had begun to settle in, and it was time to begin the journey home. One more final goodbye back at Sunshine Valley, then off into the night. Our overall stats were pretty good, 11 hours, 1800 metres gained, 17km travelled. On a personal level, the quality rating was way up there. Perfect day, awesome venue, and excellent company - can't go wrong!

What a great looking day!

Ah! Very nice!!

A very good mt day with some good company and a few cheap laughs along the way. Sierra although getting older still had a great day. Thanks for report and pics. Bob

Nice.. by future reference do you mean to try the ridge leading onwards to Silvertip?

From what I gather, the Northeast ridge culminates in a rock climb, and the true scramble from the Sumallo side aims for the Silvertip/Rideout col. I wouldn't want to give the impression that one could carry on past Rocktip without doing some mountaineering.

Thanks for the invite on this one Bob and Tim, Vlad and I always enjoy hiking with you guys and Sierra.

Here's a bunch of pictures to add to Tim's nice set:


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The other guys on the long northern ridge of Brown with MacLeod, Johnson, Hatfield, Manson and Outram behind.


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Vlad and one of his many sandwiches made him very popular with Sierra.


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On the multi scree/talus covered summit ridge of the higher Brown Peak.


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Outram, Dewdney, Ford and Snass in the far distance with Tearse and "Goldtip" nearer by. McConnell at right below Snass.


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Bob atop Brown Peak with it's summit cross.


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It was good I forgot my iceaxe as I could get some shots of Tim and Vlad heading towards Rocktip Peak.


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Rocktip approach with Silvertip at right.


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Starting the ascent.


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The minor class 3 scramble Tim led us up.


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Tim and Vlad approaching the summit.


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The impressive northern side of Silvertip. Payne far right.

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2210m summit shot.


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Looking down the Skagit River Valley towards Hozomeen and Jack Mountains.


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The other guys heading back.


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"Cassino", Forddred, Eaton, Eaton East Peak and Grant to the northwest.


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Back at the base of Rocktip.


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Heading back to Brown.


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Second last look at Rocktip.


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Zoom on Eaton, Eaton East Peak, Isolillock and Grant (JH far rear left too) across Brown's summit ridge. The others lower right.


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One last look at Brown and Rocktip.


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Tim with a backdrop of Silvertip, Rideout, Rideout's Pup and Payne.


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Tim down in the snow bowl with the northern ridge of Brown stretching out to the right.


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Nice area. There's even a few alpine larches around.


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Heading back along the ridge.


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Vlad takes a break on a bent over tree, Sierra's tail is still wagging and we're past the steep notches along the ridge. Much easier with late afternoon soft snow.


2nd time for me being into this area and it's well worth the effort.

You've been up these ones before right Simon?

I did this one around 20 years ago, in early June. We found quite a few pitches, 8 or so, ranging from 3rd class to 5.7. It was the kind of climbing where you have mountain boots and crampons on not rock shoes. The pro wasn't great - I had to belay one pitch on a ledge with a slung coffee table sized block as the only viable belay. Pretty impressive climb for 1950! On descent we came down the steep snow on the north side of the NE ridge, and had to make one 50 m rap over the low cliff so visible in your photos off a bollard or wobbly boulder or something to get back to the base of the ridge and our stashed packs.

Red = approach (step kicking, no ropes). Pink = climb. Green = descent, more or less. Rappel is the lowest straight line segment.

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You've been up these ones before right Simon?

I hadn't done Rocktip and the views (and company) made it easy to go back there plus this was with snow, the other time was autumn.

Very enjoyable trip. Thanks Tim, Bob, Simon.
V

Beautiful epic, and impressive collection of beautiful photos.

You guys are all inspirational

K