Morse Creek is the area just outside the Crystal Mountain Ski Resort Southback to the South. Separating both Silver Basin and Chinook Pass its a massive area with numerous different zones to ski. Being a east to west drainage its main ski lines are either north or South. The area is most popular for reaching both Sourdough Gap and Crystal Lakes but we worth sticking around. With the ski resort being decently tracking out Ash and I went on a traverse from Chair 6. Our plans were to ride some nice lines and find some good snow in the Morse Creek area.
It was a cloudy day as both Ash and I made our way out the Southback Traverse. It had been a few days since it last snowed and we were on the search for untracked lines. Since both of us had Splitboards we decided that touring was the way to go. Soon enough we were hiking our last steps above Silver Basin and making our way towards 3 Way Peak.
Leaving the Crystal Mountain Southback for Crystal Lakes Basin
Arriving to the north side of 3 Way Peak we strapped our boards on and took our first lap. Riding down the west facing aspect into the Crystal Lakes Basin it was time for our first skin of the day. Though the sun had been on the slopes we were happy to find smooth and soft snow. We knew if we played our aspects right there would be good powder in the Morse Creek area.
Our First Run Down into Morse Creek Basin
We skinned to the south finding a low col before we pushed up to the peak. Below us was a thousand foot line which was east facing and a direct route into Morse Creek below. We could have easily rode in from below but decided that the extra effort was it. Why would you pass by fall line turns in exchange for quick sidehilling.
As we transitioned we looked off to the south towards Sourdough Gap. The low col would be our next ascent as we wanted to head into the Sheep Lake Basin area. From what we could tell the north facing aspects were holding some good snow and from there we could access some.
Riding into Morse Creek basin we were happy to find some great turns. Though the area was in the sun it was getting some wind loaded. It was much better then the previous run as we rode all the way to the flats below. Celebrating our tracks on the clean canvas we started transitioning our gear. It was time to get moving so we could check out some north facing aspects.
Heading Over Sourdough Gap
When we arrived at Sourdough Gap we had a clear view to Chinook Pass to the south. With both Naches and Yakima Peaks standing between the low col it looked liked some great touring. We were still a ways away so we decided it wasn’t worth the distance. We were searching for powder and if we went that way it would all be about skinning.
Dropping down to Sheep Lake we found some mellow but fun sun crusted turns. Making it to the shore line it was time to head northeast. As we made a low angle traverse to a col just east of Sourdough Gap. Behind us we had a great view of Sheep Lake Couloir and it’s steep and direct line cut out of the mountain.
Riding Back into Morse Creek Basin
Arriving at the low col we had a clean view into Morse Creek Basin. Below us was a wide open bowl with north facing slopes. It was wide enough for each of us to choose our own line and around 1,500 feet. While transitioning we chatted about different options before decided to ride down to Placer Lake. From there we would skin up to Dogleak Peak for our final descent of the day.
To the northwest we could see our tracks from both the first descent and the second line. It was rewarding to see 2 tracks on the nice ramp down into Morse Creek. While the col would have been an easier and faster line it was worth the climb for the aesthetics alone.
Dropping into the north bowl we were happy to find cold powder conditions. We were only in the upper section as we rode to the bench that separates the lower slopes. While I made my way down the skiers left section Ash decided to head skiers right. With it being so open there was no need to ride over each others tracks.
Once the terrain rolled over we found ourselves in a gully. A turn at a time we hit up the side walls before riding into the open trees bellow. Before long we were straight lining through the flats and arriving at Placer Lake.
Our Final Ascent to Dogleg Peak
Skinning back towards Crystal Mountain we made our way for Dogleak Peak. Knowing it was the best and most direct north face to the ski hill we cut switchbacks through the dense forest before it opened up. Looking back we were happy with our choice of lines for the day. We had made the most out of the conditions and covered a descent amount of ground.
Before long we were riding down the Dogleg Bowl all the way to the base of Crystal Mountain. It had been a long but rewarding day making the most out of conditions. As we made it to the car we couldn’t help but smile about our day in Morse Creek. Though content we were looking forward to the next storm that would hit the Cascades.
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How to access this area without the help of the chairlifts