Details

Distance

13 miles

Elevation Gain

4200 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Bryan Carroll

Slippery Slab Tower is only a one pitch rock climb, but it has a long scenic approach with a couple lakes to stop at on the way up.

Start out at the Tunnel Creek trailhead. You will follow the trail for about 1.6 miles until you reach Hope Lake and the PCT. From here, you want to travel south along the PCT.

For the next 3/4 of a mile, you will hike up switchbacks until you reach the saddle, where it will start to level out a bit. Once you come over the ridge, you will continue along as you pass through a meadow. The trail will level out, and you will follow this for a couple of miles.

You will come to a split in the trail. If you choose to descend, you will arrive at Trap Lake. If you continue to climb, then you will find yourself on your way up Trap Pass. Climb up the switchbacks to get to the top of the pass, and you will see a faint trail that branches south and follows the ridge line. This is your route to get to the base of Slippery Slab. Follow the ridge line until you pop out in a boulder field. Make your way up through the boulder field to the base of Slippery Slab Tower.

You can call it a day and head back out, or if you brought your climbing gear you can make a quick ascent before taking off. If you decide to climb it, it can be done in one full 60m pitch, or you can break it up into 2 pitches so that you can communicate better. The climb isn't too tough, but the views from the top are amazing.

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Features

Rock Climbing
Hiking
Lake
Scenic

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