Nevada Peak

Wednesday, 9 October 2013

Nevada Peak

Tuesday 8th October 2013

Pineapple Grass slopes on the way to the summit

After not walking to Nevada Peak last week, I was determined to get up there today, even though I could not see the peak because of the early morning fog. If there is a morning fog then the day is usually quite okay, or so the saying goes. Well, it did not go to plan but overall it turned out to be a reasonable day.
I arrived at the start point at about 0800 after carefully avoiding a large rock in the middle of the road. Last time I was up here I actually drove over it and just scraped the sump guard, thinking I had more clearance than I did. I have a 4WD but it is only a dual cab and does not have the clearance of normal 4WDs.
Note: The normal access via Russell Road is blocked at the Russell River Bridge about 6.0 kms. before the start of the walk. This necessitates driving in on McDougalls Road, past the Lake Skinner turnoff and keep going onto Russell Road. Follow this around and turn left after about 7.5 kms. past the Lake Skinner turnoff and you are now on the other side of the damaged bridge.
I set off and walked along an old logging road and found the the track in the scrub. It took a bit of sloshing through some water and mud to get there so it was not looking too good. I was expecting it to be wet after the recent rain and it sure was. This made the going somewhat slower than I would have liked, and, as well, there were quite a few logs and trees to clamber over.

On slopes on way to summit

The track wound its way through rather thick forest and climbed steadily all the while and after a couple of hours the terrain opened up somewhat into pineapple grass slopes and pandani. The views started here but unfortunately so did the cloud and mist. I could actually see the car parked way in the distance. Patches of snow also became visible at this point.
The track climbed steadily up to a slight peak before heading down to the Snowdrift Tarns. Really there was no track here at all and it was just a matter of choosing the best route that was heading in the right direction. It was at this stage that the wind started to blow and the mist came in, reducing visibility. It was freezing so I had to quickly don my coat and beanie because I am sure my ears were getting frost bitten. I continued on passing one of the Snowdrift Tarns, part of which was frozen.

Frozen Tarn

All I had to do then was climb quite steeply up to the summit which I could just make out in the mist. In doing this I had to walk through a couple of patches of knee deep snow but it was not too bad. I eventually reached the peak but had no views to speak of as the mist rolled in and the wind blew. I found some shelter and had a quick bite to eat and the headed down. As I reached the lower slopes the sun decided to come out, the mist lifted and the scenery started to show itself. I had said to myself up the top that I would bet that was going to happen!!
The plan now was to head back to the car via Wooleys Tarn so I started walking north east past the northernmost Snowdrift Tarn and found some cairns(but not many) that headed in the right direction. The path went past Wetpants Peak and then descended steeply to eventually arrive at Wooleys Tarn, which is quite a large lake. From here the track went ever so slightly uphill and then down to finally arrive at the car at 1540. I must admit I was a bit weary at this stage and glad to finally get sight of the car. Overall a good walk despite the lack of views from the summit.
Distance: 12.6 kms.
Time: 7'38"
Ascent: 864 metres
Click here to download GPX track.