Rating: WI5
Length: 50 meters
This route (previously known as Purinton Pillar) consists of a challenging, dead vertical pillar.
FA: Tom Walter & Scott Mignery, March 1991.
Anchor: V-thread.
ALERT: Be aware that the trail access can see heavy snow machine use. Stay visible at all times to avoid being hit.
Lat/Long: 61 50' N, -148 06' W
This climb is accessed similarly to those in Boulder Creek. Most by foot or ski will head into this valley by starting their journey by making access at Purinton Creek. The Purinton Creek access is at the bridge that crosses the Glen Highway just east of the the large rock wall at Long Lake.
If you are making your approach by snow machine, another option is the trail head just east of Purinton Creek bridge on the Glenn Highway at a large parking pullout on the north side of the road that is used heavily by snow machines. This trail will leave the parking lot, head up and turn left, following the flanks of Anthracite Ridge. Eventually, one can make a right hand turn and head up closer to the Ridge on the west side Purinton Creek. Eventually this trail will turn left to head west. At this point, head east on the knoll of a hill meandering your way up the west side of Purinton Creek. You will need to cross the creek proper to gain access to the next rock alcove east revealing this incredible spot and the climb itself.
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Chris Roach, Tom Evans, & I first went up to address the pillar in December of 1990. We basically got frozen off of it in the shadow of the Chugach range. Planning an inevitable return, I came back with Tom Walter the following March. It was so warm it was like paradise. I took my only fall on that route.