Lawson

Harsh winds, blowing snow, ice laden rock, is this September or December?

Park at the first switchback on the Fortress Road off of Hwy 40. Set your
compass to the peak and break into the forest angling left to catch the 2nd
drainage for a ride up to tree line. You will cross one flowing drainage, continue
to the next drainage which is dry. From the road, you are looking for the left
and narrower drainage that takes you above tree line and larches. You will have
to ascend several steep rock waterfalls to the right.

Once above tree line, I chose to go vertical until I intersected the left hand ridge
that led to the summit ridge. With the prevailing wind and snow conditions, this
became a precarious route, although when dry I am sure it is more straight
forward. Once on the summit ridge, continue south to the highest point and a
summit cairn. There was a register.

On descent, I chose a narrow snow filled gully just northwest of where I
ascended. This was a steep route that I would not attempt any other time of the
year. But all snow was fresh and lacking in diversity (no layers), so I took the
quick and easy route down, bypassing a few rock patches along the way.

I observed an old bull elk carcass when bushwhacking and had a bear cross my
ascent tracks (which I discovered on descent).

Double Click to Enlarge
You follow the left
drainage to tree line and
then I followed the left
ridge line to summit ridge
which was dicey with the
ice, so I descended a
steep narrow snow gully
down the right side face.

The summit photo (left)
was the last photo for
this camera, and thus
why I am not in it. I was
in operation mode, trying
to figure out what was
wrong, as camera died.
May it rest in peace!
Next photo is at least
one that survived of
Inflexible to the
northwest.