Thompson Peak, Trinity Alps

Topping out at just over 9,000 feet, Thompson Peak is the highest point in the Trinity Alps, which is a high section of the Klamath Mountain Range in northwestern California. The peak is at the headwaters of the most rugged drainage in the Trinity Alps, the Canyon Creek drainage, where several peaks rise above 8,800 feet. Due to the geographical location of these mountains, they contain elements of the Cascades to the north and Sierras to the south. Their height is not impressive when compared with the Sierras, but their higher latitude and proximity to the Pacific Ocean allow for significant winter snow accumulation and the existence of a few small glaciers.

Upper Canyon Lake with the Wedding Cake and Thompson Peak refecting

I climbed Thompson Peak via the Canyon Creek trailhead in 9:42, starting at 6:20 am and finishing at 4:02 pm (4:52 to summit, 22 minutes on top, 4:28 return). The climb involved 16 miles of trail and nearly an equal amount cross country travel, entailing bushwhacking, routefinding, talus hoping, scrambling, and snow. A large portion of the trail was good for running, but none of the cross country travel was runnable. There was even some class 4+ exposed moves to ascend the final summit block. I found spectacular mountain scenery and a true wilderness feeling beyond Canyon Creek Lakes where there is virtually no evidence of human impact.

Gear:

• La Sportiva Fireblade
• Ultimate Direction Wasp Pack
• Petzl Snowracer Ice Axe
• Kahtoola Aluminum Crampons

The Trinity Alps, often overlooked by Mount Shasta, are a real gem and I plan on returning here for more climbs in the future. Check out many more photos and a complete trip report at CascadeClimbers.com.

Big Basin Waterfalls

Established in 1902, Big Basin Redwoods State Park is California’s oldest State Park and is a gem of the park system. The park is located in the Santa Cruz Mountains and contains the largest continuous stand of old growth redwood forest (in square miles) south of Humboldt State Park 250 miles to the north. There is over 80 miles of trails to explore passing through a variety of habitats. The most famous hike in the park is the Sunset-Skyline to the Sea Loop which passes through an area of impressive waterfalls, including Berry Creek Falls, Silver Falls, Golden Cascade, and numerous smaller waterfalls. These waterfalls are particularly inspiring in the winter after a heavy rain when they turn into swift torrents. The 10.5 mile loop (~17k) contains 2,245 feet of elevation gain and is virtually all under a lush canopy of old growth redwoods with a carpet of redwood sorrel and ferns.

Berry Creek Falls

Point Reyes

Point Reyes National Seashore is located about an hour north of San Francisco. Here lies a stretch of road-free coastline that is virtually unimpacted by humans. Aside from natural forces, it largely looks the way it did hundreds of years ago. The southern portion of the park contains the majority of the 150 mile trail network with lush forested mountains meeting rugged coastline. Much of this section of the park is designated as the Philip Burton Wilderness under the Federal Wilderness Act which, among other things, precludes organized trail runs.

Arch Rock

I  studied the trail map and satellite in designing a long run that seemed to hit most of the highlights in the southern portion of the park. Reading hikers’ reports, it seemed improbable to cover the stretch of coastline from Sculptured Beach all the way to Alamere Falls in one day, but this is the beauty of adventure running!

Alamere Falls

The run ended up being around 22 miles with 4,000+ of elevation gain and is definitely one of my favorites (map of route). The contrast between the fir-covered mountains and rugged coastline is a treat. I found the views to be even more stunning that I had imagined and the quality of trail running superb.

Pescadero Scenes

This was another one of the rare times that I carry a camera on a run so I thought I’d share some California scenes. Nothing groundbreaking here, just a few nice photographs to enjoy!

Open Douglas Fir forest on the Coyote Ridge Trail

Peters Creek Grove

I have been wanting to check out the Peters Creek grove of old growth redwoods in Portola State Park for awhile. The state park is very close to the Bay Area population centers, but is guarded by a long and windy mountain road where there is sometimes a lane divider and sometimes not. Fortunately, the drive is gorgeous with awesome views of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

Tucked away in the northeast corner of the park is the third largest stand of old growth redwoods on the San Francisco Peninsula, known as the Peters Creek Grove. Unlike the easily accessible groves in nearby Big Basin Park and Henry Cowell Park, it is a 5.5 mile trek up and over a ridge just to reach this grove. An excerpt from the State Park’s description of the hike sums it up best:

“This long and strenuous hike takes you to some of the most spectacular old growth redwoods in the Santa Cruz mountains… you will have the place to yourself. The descent [from the ridge] is like going back in time to a land of old growth giants and beautiful creekside habitat… allow[ing] you to imagine what these mountains were like 200 years ago.”

Adventure Running Article

I am honored to have been asked by the Northwest Mountaineering Journal (NWMJ) to write a feature article about my adventure running in the Cascade and Olympic Mountains. It was interesting to write about myself. The article was just published so check it out!

http://www.mountaineers.org/nwmj/08/081_Pantilat.html

From the journal website:

“The mission of the Northwest Mountaineering Journal is to be an edited, permanent, annual record of mountaineering in the Pacific Northwest. The journal documents the events, people, history and spirit of climbing and other mountain sports in this region. The journal is published by volunteers from the mountaineering community in collaboration with The Mountaineers.”

Also, check out the rest of this year’s edition for great photography and awesome mountaineering trips. For more info and photos on my adventure running, visit my website.