South Twin Sister
7,000’ ⚲ Mount Baker Wilderness, Twin Sisters Range, Washington
Download GPX Route | Peakbagger.com | Summit Post | Mountain Forecast
After summiting North Twin (6,640’) last year, my friend Paull and I were convinced that we needed to return for a climb of South Twin (7,000’), the highest peak of the Twin Sisters Range. He was able to fly in for Labor Day weekend, and so we began our trip the morning after he landed. My friend, and climbing partner Liz was also able to join and was kind enough to pick us and our bikes at 4 a.m. to start the day. Two hours later we arrived at the trailhead (the gated road at 48°46'01", -122°02'22") and began the 6.25-mile bike portion of the ascent.
Liz and Paull walk their bikes up the logging road on our way to South Twin (7,000’).
Paull had rented an e-bike for the hike and so had no issue riding his way up the timber road, but Liz and I had to walk ours. Occasionally, it made sense for us to ride for a few hundred yards, but for the most part, these bikes would assist our descent. It was important to keep an eye on the .gpx route while on the road due to the many offshoots and opportunities for wrong turns. It was midweek the last time I was here and we encountered quite a few logging trucks, on this Saturday, we saw none.
South Twin (7,000’) comes into view along the logging road - a deer wonders what we are up to.
Looking at South Twin (7,000’) and Orsino Creek - the only reliable water source for this trip.
We followed the timber road to its terminus where a large pipe blocks the way and the overgrowth begins (see waypoint 02 on the map above). It is here that we ditched the bikes in the woods and found the narrow climbers’ path into the forest. The route was a bit overgrown and wet but never hard to navigate or find.
Liz and Paull make their way along the talus field towards the basin above Orsino Creek where we’d start the ascent.
Paull Ly takes a breather in the morning sun while we fill our waters for the climb up South Twin Mountain (7,000’).
Orsino Creek (waypoint 03 on the map above) is the best water source for the entire trip. Plan to refill water here on the way up and on your return - it’s the last water for the summit and the last for the camps that lie in the basin between North Twin and South Twin.
Gaining the ridge line from the basin above Orsino creek - a quick and steep push up a loose dirt gully is all it takes to begin the ascent up South Twin Sister.
Once we had filtered (2.5L was sufficient), we picked our line up to the West Ridge of South Twin - there are many different options so choose your own adventure.
Always choosing the most exciting line along the ridge is a good way to practice and warm up for the more exposed stuff higher up the mountain.
Liz and Paull make their way along the ridge of South Twin Sister.
Climbing higher and higher up the mountain! Just stick to the high point of the ridge and have fun!
Liz hugs the rock as she makes her way around an exposed drop off.
Paull Ly and Liz DelVecchio pause for a candid along the ridge line of South Twin, North Twin Sister stands in the background.
In the beginning we stuck to the ridge and took on as many unnecessary scramble problems as we could. It is good practice to warm up and get used to the rock down low on the ridge to help build confidence for the exposure you’ll encounter as you go higher up the mountain.
Liz finds her footing as she navigates some of the more exposed terrain on the mountainside.
Happy to have made it across!
Paull pulls himself up through a short chimney on South Twin Sister.
Liz and Paull navigate the ridge line.
Paull climbing South Twin
After covering a good distance we still have a lot further to go!
Up and over, up and over, that is the story of South Twin Sister.
When we got to the final summit block we traversed right to the second major gully where we found more adequate scrambling terrain. We explored the entire summit ridge before heading to the highest point on the southeast side. Lunch was eaten while we rested our legs.
We signed the register before retracing our way back down. The solid rock instilled confidence but still required great care while navigating the ridge top on tired legs.
We filtered waters at Orsino Creek, hiked back to the bikes, hooted and hollered our way down the timber road back to the truck.
A day well spent.
Practice good trail etiquette, LIKE, SHARE, and COMMENT! ✌️❤️🏔
