North America, United States, Washington, Cascade Mountains, Copper Mountain
Copper Mountain. The highest (7840 feet) and most southerly peak of the Liberty Bell—Early Winters Spires ridge system, this pleasant but obscure peak may be approached via a cross-country scramble from the North Cross State Highway. From Kangaroo Pass George Mustoe and I traversed across talus and snow to reach the south ridge. After several hundred feet of unstable rock, the ridge becomes a narrow granite arête which is ascended to the south summit. From here the higher north peak is an easy stroll. Class 3-4. 5 hours up. The only previous ascent appeared to be via helicopter in 1962 by a U.S.G.S. party. Peak 7565 (“Pica Peak”), the pyramid prominently visible to the south from the meadows at the head of Early Winters Creek, proved to be an easy ascent by the southeast ridge, with the short final pitch offering the only real climbing.
Kreig McBride, Unaffiliated