Tumbledown

Tumbledown

What a fantastic climb this little mountain is. A relatively small mountain only a little over 3000 feet but it is unique in that it boasts 3 peaks which surround a high and very cold pond.  My climbing parter and I started our day early to make the two hour drive to the mountain. Had the worst possible breakfast….a SIX egg omelet, homefries and texas toast! Made the trailhead at about 10 and we decided on the Loop Trail. The first half mile is very gentle and relatively flat but then climbs a near vertical rock jumble for another half mile. There is a lovely midway point that is flat and offers a stunning view of Tumbledown’s 700 foot cliff face. From this point the trail splits, to the left is an unmaintained and rather dangerous climb called the Chimney trail. We opted for the right leading trail and again began a near vertical climb at times again over boulders and Tumbledown’s old remains of avalanches.  Near the top the trail is stopped up with massive boulders and the only way upward is through a section known as “Fat Man’s Misery”.  A nice little section that does rather put the squeeze on and full packs must be removed and hoisted up through. Once through this section using the iron rungs you are nearly there, 50 yards to the ridge that is flanked by two towering massive rock spires.  Once on the ridge we took a short walk to the left; we were going to inspect the fixed rope left at the Chimney Trail but opted for a nice sit in the sun and some lunch. We continued back past the trail junction to the summit of Tumbledown and from there got a view of the pond and a gentle walk downwards. Many people fishing the pond, another rest and then a 4 mile walk back via the Brook Trail and dirt road. Fantastic climb, 60 degrees with a nice breeze, hardly any bugs.

Tumbledown's Great Ledges

Fat Man's MiseryTumbledown

Ridge Walkin’

 

Webb Lake and Mount Blue

The Pond b'tween the peaks