05/16-17/09 Bird Ridge Overlook (And Beyond) ~14.75mi +7150’

            In the past, I’ve avoided hauling an overnight pack up a mountain. I usually base camp in a valley and summit the next day with gear for a day hike. That leaves out a lot of flexibility and camps with amazing views. I chose to leave most luxuries out of my backpack so I could travel faster and more comfortable. My two goals this trip were to camp on a ridge and get to the true summit of Bird Ridge: Bird Ridge Overlook. I was also hoping to get up the Beak, but that didn’t quite work out.

            Before dropping me off at the Bird Ridge Trailhead, Skye and I made a stop by the Brown Bear Saloon in Indian. We tried Deschutes “The Dissident.” Good Stuff! When I started at 5:00pm, a lot of people were returning to the parking lot. I didn’t see anyone after the first mile of the trip. It was a slow consistent slog up to Point 3505. The showers that began near the trailhead had moved east, and the sun was peeking out of the clouds.

            Once at Point 3505, most of the elevation had been gained; only 1000 feet remaining to camp. The ridge dropped down a few hundred feet before rising again. There were a few ups and downs, but after 5 hours I found a beautiful camp spot on the ridge; it was 700 feet below the Bird Ridge Overlook. There was a grassy depression perfect for my tripod-bivy that was really comfortable. There was also a good supply of snow on the leeward side of the ridge for water. I set up the bivy and headed made a kitchen a ways away. I melted some snow for hot cider and went to sleep shortly after.

            When I woke up the sky was absent of all clouds, and I was surrounded by peaks. It was an amazing place to rise. I cooked a freeze-dried meal, hydrated, got my gear together, and headed towards Bird Ridge Overlook around noon. I was at the summit within an hour and got my first good views of The Beak. That peak looked impossible.

            I tried to make my way towards The Beak on the ridge connecting the two peaks. Soon after, the ridge was corniced and steep, so I descended a gully to easier ground. Eventually, I made it to the pass between Bird Ridge Overlook and The Beak. The Beak still looked intimidating, so I traversed to the east searching for an easier route, but found only a steep buttress. I circled back to the South Ridge to give it a try, but the ridge was too steep and loose for me to feel comfortable.

            From there I tried to find a route to Indian Valley, but I couldn’t see the lower slopes from my vantage point; I didn’t want to descend the snow to find cliffs and have to gain the elevation back. I made the decision to return via Bird Ridge: A sure thing.

            I headed back down Bird Ridge without climbing The Beak. I reached the trailhead a little after 9:00pm where Skye had just arrived to pick me up. I need to plan a return trip to the valley North of Bird Ridge Overlook again to bag a few of the Bird Peaks. It’s a nice place to spend a few days.