Tight line up to Earl Ridge

This last Saturday my brother and I set out for a quick ski-mountaineering trip, a day trip up Earl Peak in central Washington. Earl is up the Teanaway River road just outside of Cle Elum. Earl, historically meaning “chieftain of a territory.” Earl Peak definitely has its own presence.

We both left our respective abodes at 5:30 AM, and were on the trail at 8:00 AM. We summit-ed around noon. Primarily because it was a boot pack most of the way up the mountain and we ended up taking a rather “non-traditional” route up to the ridge and then along the ridge line to the summit.

Our weather wasn’t as bad as “tropical storm Earl”  We didn’t expect the snow to be nearly as hard as it was on the way in, and didn’t take ski crampons thus the boot pack to the summit.  Needless to say, it was a great trip.  Over 2000 feet of vertical, great weather, incredibly skiing and of course great company.

Crossing the creek on the way out

Having spent many days, weeks, and months over the years with my brother in the outdoors.  This like many will be one that competes with many others as one of the best days.

If you find yourself in central Washington, with back-country ski gear, a beacon, and looking for a plan, make the plan to find Earl.  The Chieftain won’t disappoint.

To lean back and enjoy our trip, watch the below video.