Ledgeview Ice

On Monday, Dorothy and Timothy and I went on a little hike at Ledgeview (McKee Peak). I was trying to find the bottom of a trail called Grandpa’s Eyebrows. We eventually did, and walked up the icy trail as far as we were comfortable. On the trail, however, we spotted some short easy sections of nice ice. So we quickly made babysitting plans [1] and came back the next day and quickly raced up them. I haven’t heard of these climbs before, so it’s possible it’s a first ascent, as such, we bothered to name them.

Normally, climbs of this size would not be worthy of much note, but their proximity to Abbotsford, and the quick approach make them a worthwhile objective when you’re short on time. Overall, the approach and climb takes about 1 hour if you solo, 2 if you don’t.

The approach is quick. Park at the north access to McKee Peak (on McKee Road, just across from Golf Course Drive). Hike up the road. A little after it crosses a large stream, turn left onto Mixed Bag, cross the stream again, and immediately after, turn right and go upwards. This is Grandpa’s Eyebrows. Hike up this trail a few hundred and the ice should be visible in gullies above you. There are two obvious patches of ice, and a small little flow in between that is not worth the slightest attention.

The terrain is easy enough that should shouldn’t need to anchor a bottom, belayer. A top belayer can use some trees for anchors, but they’re a little set back, so it’s nicest to extend the belay a little with the rope.

Broken Heart (WI 2, 7 m)

The eastern climb forms in two parts, and it looks like a broken heart when viewed straight on. The climbing is pretty straightforward. The left portion of the climb has more interesting features, and could be made a little harder if you tried.

Valentine (WI 2, 10 m)

This v-shaped climb is a little longer, and there’s a tree sticking its branches out in the middle that get into your way.

Footnotes