Granite Lake Area - Ice Climbing

The Granite Lake area has the best concentration of ice and alpine lines in the Cabinets. From single pitch WI3 routes to 1000+ ft steep ice and mixed climbs, there is something to be climbed for all levels of climber. And for those with an interest in exploration or a drive to develop, there are many new route possibilities, particularly in the area of harder mixed lines.

The climbing is broken up into areas of location. The 8,634 ft tall 'A' Peak towers far above the lake. There are only a few routes up there and all of them long and committing. The "Thunderdome" is the rock buttress that rises 1500 ft above the lake to the flanks of A Peak. It contains half a dozen ice and mixed lines. Across the gully from the Thunderdome are the "Three Tiers". This section is home to about 15 single pitch lines and a few shorter multi-plitches. The last area is the wall called "Beyond Thunderdome". And as the name implies, it is the rock wall that is essentially an extension of the Thunderdome but farther to the south.

The best camping is usually in the trees along the north end of Granite Lake. The outlet stream provides running water and there are good flat areas to setup a tent.  With increased traffic over the last couple years pooping has become an issue.  Please either wag bag your poop and take it out, or walk a LONG, LONG ways up the hill away from the lake and camping areas.  Nobody wants to hike into a beautiful lake in June only to find piles of melted out poop throughout the camping areas.  This could definitely threaten future access if people aren't responsible.

Guidebook

Marlin Thorman created a PDF guide for the area.....Granite Lake Ice Guide.  If the link doesn't work please send him a PM and he will get it fixed.