Alex Parks
Alex Parks
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Mt Thielsen - Summit and Rappel
Mt Thielsen stands 9,183ft about 12 miles North of Crater Lake in Oregon's Cascade range. This is a video of Abby and I climbin' on up it on 01 July 2023. In this video we begin on the West side near Diamond Lake and follow the South ridge around to the East face of the summit for the final pinnacle climb.
00:00 - Intro
00:27 - Approach
04:26 - Summit Pinnacle
08:07 - Summit
08:31 - Rappel
08:57 - Descent
09:50 - Sign off
Переглядів: 508

Відео

Summiting Eldorado Peak - Washington
Переглядів 1,5 тис.10 місяців тому
Eldorado Peak stands 8,868 ft tall in the North Cascades National Park, Washington. This video documents my 24 June 2023 summit. The trailhead is socked in at a low elevation of 2,170 ft. After the initial creek crossing, a roughly 4,000 ft push through the trees and boulders will take you up into the snowfields. After crossing and descending the main ridge, the glacier travel is not too steep ...
Summiting and Splitboarding Middle Sister Volcano
Переглядів 904Рік тому
Middle Sister is a volcanic peak standing ~10,056ft tall in Deschutes County, Oregon. This video documents my 22 April 2023 summit and snowboard descent. It was a good time of year for splitboarding, but there was still snow covering the road below 5,000ft elevation, so my car didn't make it all the way to Pole Creek Trailhead. The standard route is typically about a 14 mile round trip, but I w...
Larch Mountain - Good view of Mt Hood near Portland
Переглядів 384Рік тому
05 March 2022 run up Larch Mountain from Multnomah Falls Worth the view! 14 miles round trip car-to-car time 4:03 Video Contents: 00:00 - Intro 00:17 - Trail No. 441 to Larch Mtn 02:37 - Sherrard Point 04:23 - Mt Hood Comes Out 04:34 - Sign Off
How to Summit Oregon's Most Broken Volcano
Переглядів 936Рік тому
Broken Top is apparently a "glacially eroded complex" stratovolcano. Up until now, I thought it's jagged shape was the result of eruption. But I digress... 20 miles West of Bend, right past Mt Bachelor but before South Sister along the Cascade Lakes Highway, Broken Top sits and waits. Standing around 9,175 ft tall, Broken Top is shorter than the adjacent Three Sister Volcanoes. It is a bit long...
Splitboarding Mt Adams - Washington's 2nd Highest
Переглядів 4,8 тис.2 роки тому
In this 20 June 2022 video, I ascend about 6,700 ft to summit and splitboard down from Mt Adams' 12,281 ft apex. This 12 mile round trip route (Lunch Counter Approach) begins at the South Climb Trail 183 around 5,500 ft elevation. Although, Mt Adams is Washington's 2nd tallest volcano, the standard route up the south ridge is very straight forward. Route info: www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/mount-...
Splitboarding Mt Saint Helens - Solo Summit
Переглядів 9 тис.2 роки тому
Since exploding in 1980 and being declared a national monument in 1982, Mount Saint Helens has become one of the most well known of the major Cascade peaks. In this video I take advantage of a spring storm clearing up and get a nice splitboarding session in the last day before permit season begins. The Climber's Bivouac was still not accessible due to remaining snow, so I accessed the mountain ...
Icy Multnomah Falls-Devils Rest Loop Run
Переглядів 1722 роки тому
Icy Multnomah Falls-Devils Rest Loop Run
Snowy Dog Mountain Run - Washington Columbia River Gorge
Переглядів 2622 роки тому
Snowy Dog Mountain Run - Washington Columbia River Gorge
Splitboarding - How NOT to Summit North Sister
Переглядів 1,7 тис.2 роки тому
Splitboarding - How NOT to Summit North Sister
Climbing Mt Hood - Leuthold Couloir Route
Переглядів 3 тис.2 роки тому
Climbing Mt Hood - Leuthold Couloir Route
Climbing North Sister Volcano - Solo Summit
Переглядів 3,1 тис.2 роки тому
Climbing North Sister Volcano - Solo Summit
Summiting and Glissading California's Lassen Peak
Переглядів 8153 роки тому
Summiting and Glissading California's Lassen Peak
Splitboarding Mt Baker - Solo Summit
Переглядів 6 тис.3 роки тому
Splitboarding Mt Baker - Solo Summit
Splitboarding Mt Hood - Solo Summit
Переглядів 18 тис.3 роки тому
Splitboarding Mt Hood - Solo Summit
Climbing Oregon's Mt Washington Alone
Переглядів 4 тис.3 роки тому
Climbing Oregon's Mt Washington Alone
Climbing Oregon's Mt Thielsen Alone
Переглядів 2,5 тис.4 роки тому
Climbing Oregon's Mt Thielsen Alone
Climbing Montana's Granite Peak
Переглядів 4,8 тис.4 роки тому
Climbing Montana's Granite Peak
Climbing Idaho's Borah Peak
Переглядів 2,5 тис.4 роки тому
Climbing Idaho's Borah Peak
Climbing Oregon's Three Fingered Jack Alone
Переглядів 3,5 тис.4 роки тому
Climbing Oregon's Three Fingered Jack Alone
Climbing Oregon's Mt. Jefferson Alone
Переглядів 8 тис.4 роки тому
Climbing Oregon's Mt. Jefferson Alone

КОМЕНТАРІ

  • @MatthewKasa
    @MatthewKasa 8 днів тому

    I know it’s not a competition but I hate it when people pass me. It doesn’t happen very often.

    • @summitspecials
      @summitspecials 5 днів тому

      Hahaha I totally agree. At least it can be somewhat motivating when it does occur.

  • @creeks-and-peaks
    @creeks-and-peaks 22 дні тому

    What a mountain! How long is the rope you're using?

  • @normal-rl9mr
    @normal-rl9mr Місяць тому

    What a pussy. I've been up thielson 4 times , once with my 10 year old son.

  • @tyronesmith3812
    @tyronesmith3812 2 місяці тому

    Why didn't you do the whole thing without ropes like a man?

    • @summitspecials
      @summitspecials 5 днів тому

      Good question, Tyrone. In my defense, I was accompanied by a woman and had forgotten my squirrel suit. Cheers!

  • @MattCookOregon
    @MattCookOregon 2 місяці тому

    Ur nuts. I want to get this one on video but haven't been able to schedule with someone who has done it before.

    • @summitspecials
      @summitspecials 2 місяці тому

      If the timing worked out I'd be iinterested in climbing with yoh

    • @MattCookOregon
      @MattCookOregon 2 місяці тому

      @@summitspecials Wow nice. Someone said they might be into end of July. June-July best window of conditions in your opinion?

  • @mountfairweather
    @mountfairweather 2 місяці тому

    Man those are some hard swings

    • @summitspecials
      @summitspecials 5 днів тому

      Agreed. Probably more due to inexperience and less than ideal axe combo. Wore myself out pretty quickly there.

  • @MattCookOregon
    @MattCookOregon 2 місяці тому

    This is epic!

  • @Leon-qh9br
    @Leon-qh9br 2 місяці тому

    70?

  • @MattCookOregon
    @MattCookOregon 2 місяці тому

    Great video!

    • @summitspecials
      @summitspecials 2 місяці тому

      Thanks man. I've watched a lot of your vids too lol. Like your style. -Cheers!

    • @MattCookOregon
      @MattCookOregon 2 місяці тому

      @@summitspecials Thank you. I often just go around UA-cam fishing for compliments. But really I was looking into teaching people fixed line stuff at thielsen. The fixed line anchor seems to have limitless possiblities. I see you got some splitboarding videos too thats great and I want to get into that.

  • @arcadegamesify
    @arcadegamesify 3 місяці тому

    whoa, how do you know where you can walk soloing over glaciers with no rope? Won't you die if you fall through into a crevasse??

    • @summitspecials
      @summitspecials 3 місяці тому

      Not sure I have the best answer lol. In this case, the formations were easy to identify and avoid. That crevasse on Eldorado is more of a collapsed edge against the ridge, not a deep, complex glacial crack. Where I crossed over was not steep so risk of slipping in was low and it was wide enough to stay several feet away from all edges. Could have tumbled down a few meters or so if I fell in. Would be able to climb out if uninjured. But I just did my reasearch and studied the snow condition as I went, so there were no surprises. In general, I think it is critical to understand the difference between early and late season. Research can tell you what areas are more likely to be unstable/active, and experience can tell you exactly where crevasses were years prior, but there is no way I'm stumbling around a crevasse area by myself when there is fresh snow coverage. A good start for crevasses being revealed is two weeks of full sun with no new snow. I do research and scouting missions to determine best times of year for each route to reduce risk as a solo, and climb early before sun weakens the snow. I also prefer putting myself between climbing groups if there are any. A lot of times I only step where others have been stepping. Still can't apply all precautions and generally take on more risk than a roped team. I've gotten used to going up to my own risk tolerance and knowing when to stop and turn around as soon as I hit that limit. Cheers!

  • @joshsmith3650
    @joshsmith3650 3 місяці тому

    I hunt below this mountain and always look in awe knowing my ass will never climb it lol. Thank you for sharing

    • @summitspecials
      @summitspecials 2 місяці тому

      Nice lol. Im from Alabama and haven't gotten around to figuring out how to hunt in oregon. You go there for deer or something else?

    • @joshsmith3650
      @joshsmith3650 2 місяці тому

      @@summitspecials I live on mount hood in sandy Oregon so I hunt deer and elk here every year. I can’t wait to leave this crappy state lol. I say that politically. I love everything else about this state. I’m 3 hours from high desert, 2-1/2 hours from the beach, 1/2 hour from mount hood, 2 hours from a rain forest plus the Columbia gorge is only 45 min away with endless waterfalls and hundreds of miles of hiking trails. Geographically it’s an amazing place and one of a kind. Western Oregon deer and elk (PCT and west) are over the counter, but the forest is stupid thick and steep. Eastern Oregon (PCT and east) are on a point system. They take some archery hunts 1 year to get, and then some rifle hunts taking 28 years to draw one tag. Seems to be on parr with most heavily hunted states specially with the predator releases and drops in tags available.

    • @joshsmith3650
      @joshsmith3650 2 місяці тому

      Pct is Pacific Crest Trail

  • @stevej2947
    @stevej2947 3 місяці тому

    Maybe this question is stupid, but how did you get the rope back when you desceded? Or did you pick it up when you climbed, then leave it for the next person? I've never climbed, but now I think about it I'm guessing you have it hooked and looped over the anchor point at the top, then when you detach you just pull all the rope. Kinda like a pulley system??

    • @summitspecials
      @summitspecials 3 місяці тому

      Yep. Rope has to be doubled in order to be able to pull it down. So with my 60m rope I can do a 30m rappel. It is just looped through a sling. This means both ends of the rope have to go through the belay device. This does require leaving behind a sling or some sort of anchor. It alsi may be best to use belay loops. You'll typically come across slings and other equipment left behind by other climbers. I have more often used what is already there without having to leave my own. It is generally the case if somebody comes along and the sling is worn, sun faded, tattered, or otherwise damaged and unfit for use, they'll go ahead and remove the equipment (now trash). It is up to you to inspect and make sure a setup is safe to use. Cant just assume somebody knew what they were doing. Cheers!

  • @brettcorbit
    @brettcorbit 4 місяці тому

    Yo this was amazing. Thanks for the footage! Just summited Hood alone yesterday so Jefferson is on my radar now.

    • @summitspecials
      @summitspecials 3 місяці тому

      Congrats man! Jeffy may be a good next challenge. The long, indirect approach makes it a good bit harder overall, but the technical portion is compareable in danger to Hood. Definitelt requires more navigation skill. If you go at it alone, know you may not see many other people out there and if you get in trouble it is unlikely anybody will come along to find you. It took me multiple failed attempts to land on that route. If you're like me, being alone on the East side is eerie and there will be an extra mental load that builds the further you go. Its a good place to learn about yourself lol. Good luck and think clearly out there. Cheers!

  • @adrianreyes2126
    @adrianreyes2126 4 місяці тому

    😮Looks pretty technical and intense

  • @PowderMonkey4Life
    @PowderMonkey4Life 5 місяців тому

    All that rock sucks ua-cam.com/video/2BApQiAoNrA/v-deo.html

  • @landonboomsma2594
    @landonboomsma2594 5 місяців тому

    What was the date you hiked Borah?

  • @spifffffff
    @spifffffff 5 місяців тому

    That’s a lot of vertical for 4 miles! Love the vids Alex, look forward to more

    • @summitspecials
      @summitspecials 5 місяців тому

      Indeed, this route has a steeper, shorter approach than most of the big loan standing peaks around the PNW. The canyon you start out in is narrow and deep. Thanks for the comment!

  • @brayanwood2104
    @brayanwood2104 5 місяців тому

    Stop being a dick to the marmots. They’re cooler than you’ll ever be.

  • @jarmoh3757
    @jarmoh3757 5 місяців тому

    This is great content. I live in Portland, your videos are getting me inspired. I used to do rope rescue and really appreciate your focus on the details.

  • @jakechanley9480
    @jakechanley9480 5 місяців тому

    Epic climb and great video. How long of a rope did you need to rappel off the summit?

    • @summitspecials
      @summitspecials 5 місяців тому

      My rope was 60m and I used every bit of it. Could get away with 50m if thqts all you had. Cheers!

  • @MarkMetternichPhotographyLLC
    @MarkMetternichPhotographyLLC 5 місяців тому

    What month of the year did you climb this? Great job. It was the first mountain. I climbed it about 10 years old. I’ve only climbed it twice. I might climb it again. This time alone.

    • @summitspecials
      @summitspecials 5 місяців тому

      It was 29 August 2020. That is awesome I cant imagine getting into this kind of stuff at such a young age. Cheers!

  • @frankblangeard8865
    @frankblangeard8865 6 місяців тому

    2:35 Near the legit structure 'way out there' is a legit parking lot and a legit road. The road closes for the winter. When it is open there would be as many as a hundred people walking around the area near the summit.

  • @ocupadaocupada7248
    @ocupadaocupada7248 6 місяців тому

    Thank you so much, for this awesome !

  • @BrandonDelbertLee
    @BrandonDelbertLee 6 місяців тому

    Finally making the choice to switch to a split board any advice for a first time buyer?

    • @summitspecials
      @summitspecials 6 місяців тому

      My man! Switching from booting or touring skiis?

  • @scottgriffith407
    @scottgriffith407 7 місяців тому

    Why climb steep on a rope if you aren't sticking in a picket / ice screw to simul? Looked steep and icy enough that if one of you fell, the other would just get yanked off his feet. Not criticizing specifically. Just looked for you thought process. Maybe you guys are just super confident in that terrain and though a fall was super duper unlikley?

    • @summitspecials
      @summitspecials 7 місяців тому

      You are right that we were not fully protecting. Mainly roped up to cross the known crevasse on lower reid glacier and after that point we just kept moving. I agree fully with your criticism and I dont like being stuck under rope teams on hood for the sake reason. They go down together. Lead climber can help support weaker downhill climber, small time to react as he feels rope get loaded, but if he gets cherry bombed or falls himself, it is 2 dead instead of 1. Fun stuff!

  • @brayanwood2104
    @brayanwood2104 7 місяців тому

    Awesome video! It’s cool that you took your sister with you on this climb.

    • @summitspecials
      @summitspecials 7 місяців тому

      Lol well your mom was busy

    • @brayanwood2104
      @brayanwood2104 7 місяців тому

      @@summitspecials I freaking love your sense of humor! Keep killing it!

  • @creeks-and-peaks
    @creeks-and-peaks 7 місяців тому

    My favorite Cascade volcano! Love your videos mate

  • @jaredempey5706
    @jaredempey5706 7 місяців тому

    Great video. Love to see you with a faithful sidekick! I hope to make it out there this spring

    • @summitspecials
      @summitspecials 7 місяців тому

      Thanks! Better with goo company ✌️

  • @bryanjpacheco4350
    @bryanjpacheco4350 7 місяців тому

    It’s April so early in the season, does the curvasses are already solid to cross in?

    • @summitspecials
      @summitspecials 7 місяців тому

      April is generally early enough such that the crevasses are still largely covered by snow. This makes the snowfields look easier but doesn't remove the risk of falling through unstable snow. It is safest on a clear day when there are a lot of people out and a solid boot track to stay in. You are less likely to randomly fall through once the snow has melted down in later months, but then you have to deal with more crevasse navigation and crossing snow bridges. In either case, it is recommended to be roped up in a team to reduce risk of touching the void. Cheers!

  • @tyronesmith3812
    @tyronesmith3812 7 місяців тому

    Any recommendations on staying warm during an early morning pre hike dump in the woods? I can never start a hike without pissing or taking a dump, but when I try to at 3 AM it's like 30 degrees outside

    • @summitspecials
      @summitspecials 7 місяців тому

      My best advice on #2 is get it over with before you start lol. One reason I love longer spring days where I can generally wait to start after daylight. I always bring plenty of TP, and on days where I head out before 4am or so I will surely end up on the side of the trail. My goal is usually to work things out before breaking the treeline. Being stuck somewhere like Mt Hood above Timberline with people all around half the night and all morning is the worst lol. Grin and bare it! ;)

  • @michael-lucanatt8009
    @michael-lucanatt8009 8 місяців тому

    Hey was wondering what the harness was for in that one climbing section of you’re not roped up? Thanks!

    • @summitspecials
      @summitspecials 7 місяців тому

      The harness is a Black Diamond Couloir. I prefer the use of the harness for leashing my snow axe to change hands easily and be able to arrest myself comfortably. This way my hands can be more free and I'm also already prepared to join a rope team in a pinch, clip onto a line, or be rescued or assist in rescues more easily in a fall scenario. It is a minimalist harness that takes up little space and although I wasn't carrying a rope that day I had some additional crevasse rescue and anchoring gear. Thanks for the comment!

  • @grantkaster6176
    @grantkaster6176 8 місяців тому

    Thats barren, tried going to the top last year mid june, and it was covered in snow and ice, i was prepared with crampons and ice axe. Made it up near the top past chicken out ridge and saw a storm approaching that ended up missing the mountian. 😢 I will be back this next summer to go at it again!

    • @summitspecials
      @summitspecials 7 місяців тому

      Nice! Definitely worth starting out early just in case of thunder storms if you have a long drive. We got lucky the wind never kicked up on us, but were a bit worried at the time. I can imagine chicken out ridge would take a lot longer with snow cover. Hope you make it next time!

  • @silasmarner7586
    @silasmarner7586 8 місяців тому

    At 16:41 that's the queen's chair. I took a nice long break there. There's more exposure above but the climbing is easy.

    • @summitspecials
      @summitspecials 7 місяців тому

      Man, I remember being desperate to get out of the steep and make it over that hump to see the other side and rest. The final pitch from there is a nice rewarding walk by comparison, lol. Thanks for the info. Cheers!

  • @silasmarner7586
    @silasmarner7586 8 місяців тому

    Nice work! I climbed it in Feb. of '94. The narrow steep section in the middle is of course the crux, and is referred to as the hourglass. We were probably 30 minutes later in the sun's path and stuff from the top zinged at us hitting me a few times. You're in better shape than I was for sure! I didn't recall difficulty with my axes but I don't remember. Our snow conditions were a bit better than what I see here, lowering the main part of the climb by one grade.. I didn't complain. But after Leuthold's, coming down the slogsback was like walking down a sidewalk - with my chest puffing out with bravado. Of course you can die just as easily going down the slogsback. with the simulclimb rope-adope technique I recommend the upper guy has you on some sort of belay. When you get all tired and shit (I was feeling as badly as you!) . I know JUST what is was like.

    • @summitspecials
      @summitspecials 7 місяців тому

      Nice! I feel lucky because I was just starting to lose purchase and struggle as it got icy in the hour glass, but then was able to kick in again once on the snowfield above it. I decided that day I would never do Leuthold with normal snowboard boots again. Cheers!

  • @baconisshakespeare5680
    @baconisshakespeare5680 8 місяців тому

    wow.

  • @jarfrobinksss
    @jarfrobinksss 9 місяців тому

    7.5 hours of intense work for 15 minutes of "fun" on jelly legs...we're a unique bunch :)

    • @summitspecials
      @summitspecials 7 місяців тому

      I am starting to think it is more humbling than rewarding, but we like going outside and need exercise anyway, right?

  • @nickradner5325
    @nickradner5325 9 місяців тому

    Good vid Alex. I get a lot of Beta from your stuff. Appreciated

  • @jeremyhays9433
    @jeremyhays9433 9 місяців тому

    should be wearing a helmet

  • @duckdog2017
    @duckdog2017 10 місяців тому

    The burn zone was all the way back to 2003.

  • @jacobwolf9840
    @jacobwolf9840 10 місяців тому

    Cool video, super informative. Can't tell if the fart at 6:25 was dubbed in 😂

  • @adamwebb2600
    @adamwebb2600 10 місяців тому

    Epic content! Thanks for taking the time to document and share! On the icy part of the coulior you guys we’re basically soloing right? Neither could’ve arrested the other in a fall?

    • @summitspecials
      @summitspecials 10 місяців тому

      Hey, Thanks! If the uphill climber falls, all the downhill can do is brace for impact. The uphill climber will generally be feeling some amount of tension in the rope as he climbs. If downhill climber just slips, the uphill climber will likely feel tension build in time to react and provide support. Don't want to have much slack in the rope to avoid dynamic loading as much as possible. A real fall with some shock load would probably take us both down in the icy a. The primary use of the rope was for crossing the snow covered crevasse below the couloir. If the climb was much more difficult, we would probably have used a couple ice screws where possible.

  • @nathanway803
    @nathanway803 10 місяців тому

    Great vids. Thanks!

  • @jaredempey5706
    @jaredempey5706 10 місяців тому

    Great job explaining the route. Looks amazing. This one will definitely need to be on my list

  • @rdub507
    @rdub507 11 місяців тому

    who is your sister? ha

  • @LagmasterB
    @LagmasterB 11 місяців тому

    I’m scared for your balls dude

    • @summitspecials
      @summitspecials 10 місяців тому

      lol "No animals were harmed in the making of this film"

    • @LagmasterB
      @LagmasterB 10 місяців тому

      @@summitspecials hahahaha

  • @LagmasterB
    @LagmasterB 11 місяців тому

    “Never let go Jack” loll

  • @LagmasterB
    @LagmasterB 11 місяців тому

    Inspiring dude. Thx for recording. What pack are you rocking?

    • @summitspecials
      @summitspecials 10 місяців тому

      Thanks! It is an Osprey Soelden 32.

  • @LagmasterB
    @LagmasterB 11 місяців тому

    This man represents what every great resort snowboarder or skier would have to do to get down

  • @LagmasterB
    @LagmasterB 11 місяців тому

    Phenomenal. Crusty AF but so worth it.

    • @summitspecials
      @summitspecials 10 місяців тому

      I think if you are going to climb the mountain anyway, splitting makes the overall effort easier, even if you have to carry the board most of the way and the riding conditions are shit. Usually knocks a couple hours or so off the round trip compared to booting the whole thing.

  • @LagmasterB
    @LagmasterB 11 місяців тому

    “Used splitboard for sale..may have small lava rock embedded in base”