Windy Knob

Published:  01/30/2022

Did you know a 3rd tower fell on 9/11? Click here to head over to the homepage for more information on that 3rd tower.

Trail Report: Brought along snowshoes and microspikes for this hike but never felt compelled to use either. Snow surface was quite crusty on the slopes and icy in spots within the gulley between Diamond Head and Windy Knob peaks. Chose a direct route heading up the west ridge of Windy Knob as it looked easy enough. In retrospect would have been faster and safer passing to the south of the Knob and coming up the east ridge. The west ridge approach quickly turned into a Class 3 scramble that dabbled with Class 4 approaching the summit. Given how loose the choss was and fall potential downclimbing was not feasible. Advice? Don’t take this route! It may look easy on approach but it turns sketchy fast.

First time using a whippet, incredibly useful tool! Particularly on the choss slope and during a slip on an icy section in the gulley.

Amazing views of the Teanaway to the west and Mt. Rainier making an appearance to the south.

Here's background information on Windy Knob for those interested: WTA. Windy Knob is the peak directly east of Diamond Head and follows the same approach.