Gilbert Peak
From Oregon Hikers Field Guide
- Hikes including this destination:
- South Tieton Hike (TH | <— —> | LOG)
- Weather forecast: NWS/NOAA
- Maps: Oregon Hikers Maps Google Maps
- Latitude, Longitude: 46.48845, -121.40706
- Elevation: 8,201 feet
Description
Gilbert Peak, formerly known as Mt. Curtis Gilbert, is the highest summit in the Goat Rocks Wilderness. Like the other peaks in Goat Rocks, Gilbert Peak was once a part of large volcano that stopped erupting about two million years ago and was gradually eroded by the glaciers. The summit may be a little higher than the 8184 feet stated on the official USGS map - the survey marker on the top states 8201 feet.
Gilbert Peak can be summited via a Class III scramble. It is usually ascended from the east. There are several possible scramble routes. The most straightforward approach is via Conrad Meadows Trail #1120 and Surprise Lake to an alpine meadows area, then cross-country to the foot of the Meade Glacier, and up on the glacier (which is just a series of snowfields). You crest the ridge at 7800' and go onto the usually snow-free southwest side, which has a rough goat/boot path - and then it's a steep, loose, but pretty straightforward scramble to the summit.
Another, more technical climb is from the west (from Cispus Basin) as described in SummitPost. One must consider however that Goat Rocks' winter snowfall averages 20 feet and it takes most of the summer to melt. The best time to climb Mt. Curtis Gilbert is in August or September.
More Links
- Gilbert Peak (Summit Post)
- Gilbert Peak (Washington Trails Association)
- Gilbert Peak/Conrad Glacier (The Mountaineers)
- The magnificent western route to Gilbert Peak 9/27-28, 2014 (Oregon Hikers)