Dogleg Peak is one of those lines near Crystal Mountain ski resort that stands among others. With a steep north face that offers numerous different aspects and types of lines it offers opportunities for all abilities. From a wide open bowl to steep tree skiing there is always something nice to find in all ranges of conditions. The gem of Dogleg Peak is the couloir that runs down the north face all the way to Henskin Lake below. Knowing of the numerous options both Ben and I decided to head out on an overnight camping mission. Being the end of December we knew all aspects would deliver dry and unconsolidated powder dare I say Cascade Champagne.

When Ben and I drove up to Crystal Mountain ski resort we were excited as we looked at the trees. Everywhere we looked was a world of white from the trees to the peaks. We were in the eye of the storms with a few days of blue skies and no wind. Knowing this we packed our bags full of camping gear and made our way out to the Silver Basin Southback on the shores of Henskin Lake.

Setting up Camp under Dogleg Peak

Once we found a spot we pulled out our shovels and started digging. We wanted a spot that was sheltered but had great access to Dogleg Peak. Since we were just above the Quicksilver chair we had over packed to make sure we were comfortable. It would be cold nights and a shady area but we knew it would be worth it for the turns.

Once the camping spot was set up it was time to get out touring. From our tent we were only 10 minutes from the base of Dogleg Peak. Making it slopes ramp up we started putting a skin track up the left side of the main chutes apron before the final switchback. We wanted to preserve as much snow as possible for our descent. While climbing we had a perfect view of Crystal Mountain ski resort in the sun as we were frozen in the shade.

Soon we crested the ridge and were back in the sun enjoying the scenic views. While we transitioned we wondered what face would be our first lap. Since it was so early in the season we could find good snow on all aspect.

Snowboarding Down the South Face of Dogleg Peak

We decided that is was our opportunity to take advantage of the rare situation to ride blower powder off the south aspect. Though I had skinned up this side many times I had never rode it before. Being south facing it normally gets destroyed by the sun but it was the still early in winter. Ben dropped in and from his first turn we knew that it was the right choice.

We made our way down the open trees around a thousand feet. The snow was deep, consistent and bottomless. With every turn snow would kick up above our heads leaving us in a world of white. The run was great as we rode down to where the slopes mellowed out towards Morse Creek before transitioning.

It was time to head back to the summit of Dogleg Peak for our final descent of the day. Climbing back up we would follow the trenches laid down from our previous run. By now the sun was starting to set to the west which made the light especially dramatic.

Our Final Run of the Day Down Dogleg Chute

Back on the summit we enjoyed the last sun of our day as we looked towards our tent in the shade. It was going to be a cold night but we knew that heading in. Looking around while transitioning we chatted about what line would be best. It was a no brainier as there were still no tracks in the Dogleg Chute. The line would take us directly back to camp and should be the best fall line around.

I dropped in while Ben had a clear view of me from the summit. After the first little traverse I made my way down towards the lower section and waited in a safe space. Like the previous lap it was great snow up high and we still had over 1000 feet to go.

The lower we rode the better the snow got as the terrain started to open up. Each turn would leave a plume over our head and would linger for seconds. Soon enough we made our way out of the choke and on to the apron below.

That is when things got ridiculous with the snow flying everywhere. It had felt stable and it built up our confidence and we disappeared behind every turn only to reemerge for a second before the next cloud of white. Looking down towards Ben all I could see was plume after plume. When the snow settled I was looking down at a foot deep trench leading to where he was.

We were able to ride all the way to the flats of Henskin lake arriving around 100 feet from our campsite. The hope was that we could ride to camp but we had barely fallen short. Boot packing back to camp we joked that we would have to try again the next day.

Back at Camp for the Night

It was a calm and cold night as we took in the views under a clear sky. One by one the stars were coming out as we cooked our dinner and made sure not to bring snow in the tent. It had been a great day and we still had Dogleg Peak to ourselves. Before long it was time to go to bed and hope that our sleeping bags were efficient for the cold night.

It was a brutal night sleep as the stitches of my sleeping pad broke one at a time. Soon I was laying on one massive blob trying to stay off the snow. It was as if I was doing a core workout keeping my balance on top and trying to get some sleep. Looking bag it was a humorous experience but during that night is was anything but. The next morning all I could think of was coffee and sunshine. It was time to put on the snowboard boots and get moving.

Following our skin track from the previous day we made our way back to the summit of Dogleg Peak. We only had time for one run as there was going to be a long drive back to Seattle. After 30 minutes of hanging out in the sun and eating breakfast we started scoping out potential lines. We decided that the steep trees to skiers left of the chute would be a good call.

Riding Down the Northwest Trees of Dogleg Peak

We had made a great choice as the trees opened up. It was one of the steeper section of the mountain that had a consistent pitch to the valley below. Knowing it was our last run of the trip we made sure to enjoy every turn. Once again it was great snow as we kicked it up turn after turn.

Before long we were riding back down to the same apron as we had rode the previous time. It was our second chance to ride back to camp. With a trail now broke in we kept up our speed and once near the bottom started straight lining.

Exiting Silver Basin

This time around we made it back to our camping spot. It was time to pack up and head back to the base. As we threw our gear into our packs we kept looking back at our lines in the distance. It had been a brief trip but we had a great time making laps on Dogleg Peak. Heading for numerous different aspects we found powder in every direction and it was worth the painful night sleep.

Within 10 minutes of skiing without skins we were standing on top of Quicksilver. It was time for our final 1000 foot run back down to the parking lot below. The run went fast as we battled the weight of our now full backpacks arriving at the bottom of the busy ski hill. Once back at the van we threw our gear into the car and started driving back to Seattle. It had been an awesome trip and everything had gone smooth other than my sleeping pad. While most people skin by Dogleg Peak we had a great time just sticking around the area.

Thank you for reading this camping under Dogleg Peak. If you want to see more ski tours within Crystal Mountain Backcountry check out this link.