Tuesday, June 7, 2011

Ontario Peak, Falling Fir Ridge

On June 4, Ty Sutherland, Lee Tintary, and I groveled up a trail-less ridge on Ontario Peak that I call Falling Fir Ridge.  We left Icehouse Canyon parking lot before 6AM and plopped down on top of Peak 8688 at around 10:30AM.  The route involves some loose class 2-3 at the bottom to gain the ridge and another spot of class 3 midway up.  I was surprised by how little snow was left on this north-facing terrain.

For more on Falling Fir Ridge, see this.

Lee (L) and Ty (R) gaining the ridge after much loose groveling.

Lee waxing pensive.

The crux gully midway up.  Lee and I scrambled up the class 3+ face on the left. 

Another spot of scrambling above the optional class 3+ face. 

Easier ground above the cliff band. 

Peak 8688 with Baldy Bowl in the background.