Bear Creek Spire conditions

How’s it looking these days? Ice axe/crampons still recommended or can you get by without them?

Its good to go. No ice tools needed. Was out there 2 weeks ago. Perfect conditions

There is a totally dry entrance point on the right side of the North Arete, where you would start. No need to take crampons or anything else. Have safe be fun! :)

Anyone have info on the fatal accident up there over the holiday weekend?

Fernando Cal wrote:

Anyone have info on the fatal accident up there over the holiday weekend?

There was a body recovery from near the summit around 9 am according to the climbers that saw it. I started the approach after 10 am and climbed the north arete that day, so I didn't witness any of that. Would make soloing a little less comfortable to know there was a recent death. From what I found out, the climber was coming up the regular route and fell on the way to or down from the summit area. There may be more information known now? Very sad to have another passing of a fellow mountain climber and I also hope people that saw and reported the body in the days prior are not too traumatized by such an encounter in a place most of us go to get away from stress. A reminder to double-check ourselves when we are out. 

Solo climbed the NE ridge yesterday and there is no need for anything snow related. High season for afternoon T-storms. Yikes about the fatality. RIP. I didn't know that until afterward.

SirTobyThe3rd M wrote:

There was a body recovery from near the summit around 9 am according to the climbers that saw it. I started the approach after 10 am and climbed the north arete that day, so I didn't witness any of that. Would make soloing a little less comfortable to know there was a recent death. From what I found out, the climber was coming up the regular route and fell on the way to or down from the summit area. There may be more information known now? Very sad to have another passing of a fellow mountain climber and I also hope people that saw and reported the body in the days prior are not too traumatized by such an encounter in a place most of us go to get away from stress. A reminder to double-check ourselves when we are out. 

Thanks for the info. I knew the climber and learned about the accident last week but havent received more info. 

Any updates? Internet searches bring up nothing.  Anyone got a story?  Seems there would be some local news.

On July 5th of 2021 i received news that my father fell from  “FELL FROM MOUNTAIN PEEK OFF BEAR CREEK SPIRE “ I am heart broken. He was an experience climber/ mountaineer. He would always go rock climbing and hiking on the weekend. It was his only escape from reality. He died what he love doing. He had a go pro on him and a dji camera. They were only able to find his DGI camera. My brother was able to find footage of him getting to the top of the mountain. I’m thinking he had an accident going down on the 4th of July weekend. Here is the footage.

I hope this video gets more attention. To spread awareness that people shouldn’t go by them self even if they are Experience climbers. RIP DAD. NEMORIO HERNANDEZ he was 52 years! born from Oaxaca, Mexico. He lived the American dream. He was a very proud to be an American. 

Really sorry to hear about your dad, Luis.  I have climbed that mountain several times.  It's a beautiful and powerful place. Take care.

Luis - I offer you and your Family my sincere condolences. 

So sorry to hear about your dad, Luis. From the video it looks like he was living the dream right up until the end.