53. Meany Crest, 7280' (S)

Meany Crest is a very pleasant scramble leaving from Summerland. There are spectacular views of Little Tahoma and K Spire. Meany Crest is named after Edmond Stephen Meany (1862–1935), a highly regarded professor of history at the University of Washington and promoter of the 1909 Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition. He was an avid mountain climber.

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Driving

Drive SR 410 4.5 miles south of the Crystal Mountain ski area turnoff and turn right on Sunrise Park Road. Drive 4.5 miles, until you cross the Fryingpan River Bridge. Park just beyond the bridge on the right side of the road. The Summerland trailhead is on the west side of the road.

Route

Hike the Summerland Trail to the shelter at 5960'. From the shelter, head southwest at a bearing of approximately 220 degrees, ascending the best terrain. Stay to the right of a rocky cliff band. We suggest going up a grassy treed rib on the right of the rocky cliff band. There are climber paths heading up. At about 6800’ bear slightly to the left at an approximate bearing of 170 until gaining a low point on the ridge (elevation 7000’). Once over the ridge you will be in a large basin (snow filled until late summer). Continue south (bearing approximately 150) to the low point on the next ridge, which connects Meany Crest to the peak at 7573’. From the ridge turn left for an easy walk-up to Meany Crest. Though the peak at 7573' is higher than Meany Crest, the Mountaineers considers the closed contour at 7280' to be Meany Crest.

Comments

Hard ice may be encountered in the snowfield below the saddle. Crampons are a good idea. The approach and overnight camping spot for Little Tahoma and Whitman Crest are very near Meany Crest. Thus, Meany Crest could easily be added to the journey for these peaks.

Vital Statistics: Meany Crest

• Skill: Moderate scramble

• Beauty: 8

• Effort: 7

• Round-trip distance: 10 miles

• Elevation gain: 3600'

• Total time: 7 hours

• Best season: July through September

• Equipment: Scramble gear, traction devices

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