Adam Ramer

Adam Ramer

Vesper Peak Trail

08/08/16

Note: Forest Service Road 4065 is the first right after you pass Ice Caves picnic area and will be labeled "closed @ 1.2 miles". Don't let this keep you away. There is a partial washout but nothing my sedan couldn't negotiate. Vesper mountain trail is one of the more challenging hikes I've completed this year. From start to finish it is a considerable uphill battle with every step. Excepting a moderate climb once you start up the drainage to Headlee Pass and the short downhill jaunt after. You will cover three sorts of terrain, packed dirt and rocks in the beginning, slippery shale in the middle, and granite as you ascend Vesper. The shale is the most testing of all, only made more challenging by the varied washouts that happened in spring. There are many cairns to guide your way through the shale field, I was able to navigate it at night without too much difficulty. However, unless you've been on this trail before or are an experienced hiker, I would not recommend a night time ascent. It's much easier to see where you are going in the daylight. Once you make it to the lake outflow, you can turn right, which leads to the lake, or straight which leads to Vesper and some prime camping spots just above the lake. Once you pass the campsites, on your way to Vesper, the trail becomes steeper and I highly recommend trekking poles if you are carrying a pack. If you packed light, you'll be fine without. After a few switchbacks you'll rise above the tree line and walk on granite the rest of the way. Many cairns lead the way to a fun scramble until you reach the top and some epic views. This is a fun and challenging hike with beautiful and dramatic jagged peaks but it is not for beginners.

4.0