45. Hessong Rock, 6385' (S)

Hessong Rock is a pleasant and easy scramble in a spectacular part of the park. Hessong can be combined with Pleasant and also can be done as a loop trip with side jaunts to Fay or First Mother. Hessong Rock was named in honor of a photographer who lived at Lake Kapowsin.

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Driving

Drive to the end of the Mowich Lake Road. Park at the south end of the parking area.

Route

Leave from Mowich Lake via the Spray Park trailhead. Head to Spray Park. Leave the trail at approximately 5700' and head northwest to the Hessong-Pleasant saddle. A climbers path leads to the saddle. From the saddle, traverse on the northwest side of the ridge to Hessong Rock. A bootpath leads toward the summit. Go slightly beyond the summit and double back on the northwest ridge to the summit.

Comments

A two-fer would include Pleasant and a three-fer would add Fay. If you decide to add Pleasant, double back to the col and it is an easy ridge scramble to Pleasant. From Pleasant, you can return via Knapsack Pass and “pick up” Fay. This route can be done clockwise or counterclockwise, though we think routefinding is easier counterclockwise. A side jaunt to Spray Falls is well worth it.

Vital Statistics: Hessong Rock

• Skill: Easy scramble

• Beauty: 6

• Effort: 3

• Round-trip distance: 7 miles

• Elevation gain: 1800'

• Total time: 5 hours

• Best season: Whenever road to Mowich Lake is open, July through early October

• Equipment: Scramble gear

Route to Hessong-Pleasant saddle.

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