55. Mother Mountain, First, 6480' (S)

The three peaks of Mother Mountain should be done separately. The peaks are not identified as First, Second, or Third on USGS maps. Furthermore, First Mother is not identified with an elevation on USGS maps. It is the closed contour (approximately 6480') north of peak 6394'. First Mother is the easiest of the three and is often combined with Fay Peak or Castle Peak. Mother Mountain’s name is descriptive of the outline of a woman on the northeastern summit, silhouetted against the sky as seen from the Carbon River Trail.

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Driving

Drive to the end of the Mowich Lake Road. Park at the south end of the parking area. The road to Mowich Lake usually does not open until July 4, some years even later.

Route

From Mowich Lake, hike the trail o.1 mile to the patrol cabin (signed “Mowich Lake Rangers Cabin”). To the left of the cabin, take the footpath (signed “End of maintained trail”) that heads to Knapsack Pass (elevation 6200'). From the pass, head north to the summit. You should be able to find a footpath from Knapsack Pass leading to the base of First Mother. This footpath (actually, there are several paths but generally one main path) meanders on both sides of the ridge but is fairly easy to follow. From the base of First Mother, head up the west-facing slope, staying to the right. There is a footpath much of the way.

Comments 

The steep route to Knapsack Pass may require crampons in early season. Though we have not done the traverse from First Mother to Castle Peak, friends tell us it is doable as a scramble.

Vital Statistics: First Mother Mountain

• Skill: Moderate scramble

• Beauty: 4

• Effort: 4

• Round-trip distance: 5 miles

• Elevation gain:1700'

• Total time: 5 hours

• Best season: July through September

• Equipment: Scramble gear