Mount Reynolds

Mount Reynolds

July 20, 2009

Mountain height:         2781 m
Elevation gain:            745 m
Ascent time:                4:30
Descent time:              2:50

Scrambling with Raff.

Since it seems to be inevitable, I might as well officially declare that my favourite place in the Rockies no longer sits in the favourite country in the world. The honour, that for several years belonged convincingly to Waterton and Castle Crown in Alberta, Canada, has migrated south to our friendly neighbours in Glacier National Park, Montana, U.S. An ascent of Mount Reynolds simply drove home a point I already knew to be true. To date, I’ve only done seven ascents in GNP, but each one has been absolutely magnificent in every aspect.

Reynolds was not our objective as we drove south. Raff, recovering from recent calf surgery wanted something short and easy and I suggested Mount Oberlin. Gordon Edwards (A Climber’s Guide to Glacier National Park) describes Oberlin as being the shortest and easiest ascent in the park. However, arriving at Logan Pass, we noticed that Oberlin looked almost too short and easy. A quick flip through the book revealed nearby Mount Reynolds to be the next best thing and we started along the trail to Hidden Lake. Like last’s year’s trip up Bearhat Mountain, the views of Mount Clements were stunning. Then followed the equally gratifying views of Bearhat Mountain reflected in Hidden Lake. Raff made good progress, recovering injury and all.

The amazing views opened up even more as we reached the west side of Reynolds. A consistent feature of both Waterton and Glacier peaks seems to be that many often appear to be far steeper than they really are. Looking over to the descent route Mark and I took on Bearhat exemplified that in a big way (see photo below).

The ascent of Reynolds was thoroughly enjoyable, perhaps in part due to the lack of route-finding required. Obvious trails and an abundance of cairns took all the guess work out of it and just gave us more time to enjoy the breath-taking scenery and views. Though requiring extra care in several exposed situations, the route was not too difficult.

The summit view was truly remarkable – shapely and striking peaks in every direction, a couple of huge lakes, and all in a fantastic variety of vibrant colours. Absolutely superb! The view definitely put the last nail in the coffin of the opening statement of this report. The descent was equally scenic and rewarding.

GNP stands at a perfect 7-0 in terms of brilliant days in the mountains.

Something you are unlikely to see in the Canadian Rockies

Same as above - that's more people than I've seen in my last 50 Canadian Rockies trips combined; Mount Clements behind

The outrageously beautiful Mount Clements

Wildlife in GNP is way too used to humans; these goats walked within 2 metres of us and didn't even flinch

Another outrageously beautiful mountain - Bearhat reflected in the gorgeous waters of Hidden Lake

Cowboy Raff crosses a snowfield

Raff on the trail; Bearhat to the left, Mount Cannon to the right

The northwest side of Reynolds

One section of Hidden Lake

Raff (red helmet) ascends the southwest slopes

The colourful southwest side of Reynolds

The Dragon's Tail

The talus slopes of the southwest side;
even the scree and talus in GNP are far more agreeable than that of the Canadian Rockies

Raff tackles some moderate scrambling

Raff tackles some exposed ridge traversing

The spectacular view to the south; the peak in the distant centre is Mount Brown

The short-comings of human perception; the red line is the alternate descent route Mark and I took from Bearhat, looking ridiculously steep;
most of the route is no more than 30 degrees, however, there are many cliffbands along the way;
a highly unrecommended descent route