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Overview
The majority of people who bag this summit do it by hiking there. The main route to Vesper Peak starts where the Sunrise Mine road ends. Even the view from the end of the road is pretty good. Looking up to Morningstar Peak and Sperry Peak gets the blood pumping.
Start the hike through a wooded area. It's thick with tree roots that are slick. The path is somewhat faint at times, but always evident. There are many waterfalls to pass, and at least one place that could use a bridge. Usually a couple of logs are in place to walk or scoot across the south fork of the Stillaguamish. You will be switch backing up through a ferny avalanche meadow. Round a bend and enter lower Wirtz Basin. There basin has enough salmon berries and huckleberries (in season) to slow down the pace. There is some blow down and brush to be navigated in the lower part of the basin. This is one of the rockiest trails I have been on in the Cascades. Much of it is cobbles, which make tough shoes and tougher feet a big plus. Waterfalls and slabs surround you. Your route through the cliffs is not evident until your are directly below it.
Warning: Even in summer, hard, steep snow sometimes exist in the gully below Headlee pass. There have been a few accidents here, and one death. Please be competent in ice axe use before attempting to climb up the slot when snow-filled. This is not the place to practice, as the runout involves big boulders.
At Headlee pass (elev 4600') it becomes even more obvious why climbers love this place. The views towards Del Campo are incredible. There are no real views from the wooded notch of a pass. After a slight descent, you will start a gradual rising traverse across some mighty scree fields. Before the outlet from Lake Elan is reached there will be views up your intended route. This can range from easy class two hiking, moderate snow slopes, or even some class 3 if you prefer.
If summit fever has not gripped you, turn right off the main path, heading upstream into the basin between Vesper and Sperry. Perhaps you will lay down in the heather until the urge to climb goes away. Just gaze up at the peaks and wonder why anyone would want to climb them. Otherwise, continue following the main path which will put you on slabs for the last 1000' to the summit. There are some nice spots to curl up, relax, and play 'name that peak'. You will find the register in a small brass tube. Look at all the peaks, lakes, glaciers, and abundant rock climbing. This is an area you will want to revisit.
Getting There
From Seattle take I-5 North to Exit 194. Follow Highway 2 East for 2.3 miles, stay in left lane, go to Lake Stevens Highway 204 East, in 2.2 miles take left (north) on Highway 9 to Lake Stevens, in 1.7 miles take right (east) on Highway 92 to Granite Falls, in 8.4 miles turn left (north) to Mountain Loop Highway. Follow for about 30 miles to the Sunrise Mine Road on the right. Road dead ends in about 1 mile where parking is limited to one side of the road. Leave room for others to turn around.
Red Tape
NW Forest Pass required at trailhead
When To Climb
Spring/Summer
High avalanche danger during the melting months in the Upper Basin, hence the debris in the gulch. Carry an avalanche probe and/or beacons if backcountry skiing.
Consult the Verlot Ranger District office
Camping
No
Camping is abundant along the Mountain Loop Highway towards the trailhead. (Gold Basin/Verlot/Turlo) Contact the Verlot Ranger Station for more info.
Mountain Conditions
http://209.64.181.208/advscripts/mbs_trl_rpt.asp?w=drd
External LinksImages
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