Find Nearby Peaks

This peak is not in the book. Published November 2019

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Peak 9002 is the most rugged of three ranked summits on a prominent ridge located on the north side of Eightmile Canyon. The other two peaks are Bald Mountain (9,006 feet) and Peak 9125. The easiest ascent route is via the northwest face from Pass Creek Lake. The shortest ascent route is from FST-026  and the southwest ridge. 

North Ridge, Class 2

Access

Same as for the south ridge of Bald Mountain. This climb is the next leg of a ridge traverse from Bald Mountain to Peak 9125 to Peak 9002.

The Climb

From the 8,580-foot connecting saddle with Peak 9125, scramble south-southwest then south to reach the summit of Peak 9002. Early on, follow an elk trail on the right/west side of the ridge then on the left/east side of the ridge crest to skirt a minor ridge hump. Use the elk trail to help you grind your way up the steepening ridge to reach the small, rocky summit of Peak 9002. The summit has a modest cairn on top. Peak 9002 offers magnificent views of Pass Creek Lake and the surrounding canyons.

Southwest Ridge/South Face, Class 2+

Access

Same as for the north ridge

The Descent

From the summit, descend the southwest ridge for about 300 vertical feet. The upper ridge is a difficult mix of thick mountain mahogany, crumbly rocky outcrops, and loose scree. When you reach a “window” rock, the ridge gets even rougher. It’s time to leave this mess and descend the south face. The south face is no picnic but it sure beats the southwest ridge. The terrain on the south face is loose scree/gravel initially, which can be boot-skiied.

There are some scattered pines to circumvent in this section. There are also some sections of talus here. The rocky face gives way to a pine forest and you will find yourself working your way down a dry gully in the forest. The blowdown will slow you down somewhat but it isn’t too bad. The lower section of the south face has game trails crossing through the pine forest. You will soon pop out on an ATV road/trail (FST-026/North Fork Trail). Follow the trail as it drops steeply down to Eightmile Canyon and the main road (FSR-173). Hike down FSR-173 to your parking spot.