Buller Creek Peak II



August 25, 2012

 
Mountain height:  2680 m
Elevation gain:     1100 m
Ascent time:         2:40

Descent time:      ?
 
Solo scramble.
 
Mark and I attempted this mountain back in April of 2009. We unofficially named it Buller Pass Peak at that time. A summer attempt seemed to be a good idea and also a route change. I decided to approach the peak from the south valley (Buller Pass), instead of north (North Buller Pass).
 
In perfect weather conditions, the approach was awesome, sections of burnt out forest providing a stark contrast to the lust green forest, unaffected by the fire. The unnamed peak, lining the south side of the valley was also particularly interesting. I didn’t know it at the time, but that peak would eventually become “Mount Lillian” courtesy of John Martin and David Jones. The mountain can be approach from Buller Pass or the Galatea Lakes and sports a magnificent summit view.
 
I opted to skip going all the way to Buller Pass and instead took a slightly more direct route to the ridge and then easily up to the summit. Views throughout were great and although the apex sits at a relatively low elevation of 2680 m, it was enough elevation to provide a wonderful panorama.
 
For exploratory purposes and to try to cut some distance off the descent, I simply continued along and down the ridge, hoping for easy terrain. Though not especially difficult, much of this descent route was tedious and really did not end up shaving time off the descent.
 
A beautiful day!


Combination of trees affected by fire and some that weren't



Life rising from death



Part of Mount Buller



More fire ravaged scenery



First glimpse of Mount Lillian



Mount Buller






Emerging from the forest to see the full form of Buller



The west end of Buller Creek Peak



Mount Lillian (summit at far left) and its long west-trending ridge



The low col at the far end is famous Buller Pass



Heading up tp the summit would have been possible at many points in the valley



A distinctive collection of rocks



The origins of Buller Creek.






Mount Lillian



The ascent of Lillian is less steep than it looks



Upon gaining the ridge, Mount Bogart appears


Red Peak is the lower-looking peak just left of centre



Mount Buller looks quite impressive from this angle.






Old Goat Mountain (right) looks insanely steep from here (that's because it is!!)



North and South Kidd join the view



The only small section of scrambling



The shapely form of Mount Kidd South






The familiar trio of Eon, Aye, and Assiniboine



Summit view


http://anugara.com/oldgoat2.htm
Mount Lillian, with Galatea and The Tower to the right



Heading down the west ridge



Some colourful rock



Looking up the side of the mountain I came down



The small but photogenic waterfall along Buller Creek
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