Camas Peak - A cap to the 2012-13 season.

For what is quite possibly the last outing for the 'ski season', Camas Peak proved to be an extraordinary trip that I won't soon forget. Even though it was more for the hike than for the short skiing that was accomplished. Mike and I had previously tried this twice before during mid winter months. First a lack of knowledge lead us to waste time with the wrong trail-head. Second, poor snow conditions and lack of time (maybe energy as well) lead us shy of the peak, but still an exciting ride down from the un-named peak just west of Camas.

Mike

Matt

In the back of my mind, I was concerned that this too would be chocked up to another failed attempt. Was Camas to become my unobtainable unicorn of a mountain? It didn't seem that difficult compared to others.

Did I ever mention how much I loved this pack my wife got me for Christmas? The NorthFace 34L Patrol, in orange of course.. :)

Matt showcasing the beautifully maintained trail

As things got cooking, and sweat started dripping, my concerns were slipping away. As we rounded the ridge and Camas beautiful face began poking through the trees. It's reported the Bitterrroots lost 57% of their snowpack during the month of May. Far less snow than what I had expected. Heck, thought we might have been able to lap Camas and then get her neighbor to the North, Ward Mountain. As you'll see from the pictures, my imagination of a hidden spring snow playground up there was somewhat off.

Cross three log bridges... the last one would barely qualify as a 'bridge'

Matt and Mike

Camas making her appearance. 

Camas Lake- east view

Camas Lake and Peak - south east view

Our good path turned into Cairn searching

Our last log bridge! haha

And the real work begins into a narrow-ish chute.

Up and out!

About four miles in and the skinning may commence.

And back down the end of the chute. A month ago, this would have proved to be a great  run! 

Matt establishing himself as the polar bear of the group! 'Merica!!

An outing to remember!

Thanks for looking! See you next season!

-Miles Granger