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1997 Hits
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71.86% Score
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2 Votes
Page Type:
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Route |
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Lat/Lon:
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58.24544°N / 134.29584°W |
GPX File:
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Download GPX » View Route on Map |
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Route Type:
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Hiking, Scrambling |
Season:
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Spring, Summer, Fall |
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Time Required:
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Most of a day |
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Rock Difficulty:
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Class 3 |
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Overview
The Little Creek Route climbs just over 4,000' in approximately 5.8 miles round trip, and is the shortest most direct route to Middle and West Peak. It climbs steeply in places and is best climbed in the spring before things have bloomed. The route can be completely obscured in the summer.
Keep a lookout for hoary marmots, spruce grouse, and wild flowers. Avalanche danger may persist until late spring, and large snow banks may be present on the steep sections of this trail.
See attached .gpx for an exact route or check out the Juneau Hikes and Summits CalTopo page.
Getting There
From Downtown Juneau, take Egan Drive South which becomes Thane Road for 5.7 miles. The road will dead end at the Point Bishop-Dupont Trailhead.
Route Description
From the DuPont Dock and Bishop Point trail head hike about 0.2 miles to just past the first bridge. From there a faint user trail heads uphill. Follow this trail that mostly follows the river and passes an abandoned shelter. The trail continues uphill with the creek on climbers left. Cross under the powerlines and head to the trees on climbers left.
Continue uphill till you reach a bench and Little creek turns sharply towards the south.
Continue to follow the river keeping it on climbers left till you break from the brush. From there head to climbers Left or Right of the peak to access the ridge. Both ways will get you to the summit of West Peak but going straight to the summit from here is too steep.
Once on West Peak, its an easy walk to the saddle and up to the summit of Middle Peak.
Essential Gear
Dress appropriately. The rains are very consistent and can easily penetrate through your gear. I recommend dressing in clothing that can get wet and still keep you warm- wool works great. Then, above tree line, change into dry clothes and rain gear. Waterproof boots are necessary and gators help keep your socks dry. Having a SPOT or InReach is a great idea. Bring extra dry/warm stuff. There is cell service for much of this hike.
External Links