FKT: Mike Nanaszko - Mt Hood Circum & Summit (OR) - 2020-08-22

Athletes
Route variation
Standard route
Multi-sport
No
Gender category
Male
Style
Self-supported
Start date
Finish date
Total time
14h 38m 45s
GPS track(s)
Report

Decided to follow the prior FKT style and summit, then circumnavigate.

Conditions seemed perfect on the ascent, recent cold front made the trail hard packed and perfect for the first 3 miles up to the Hogsback. Then crampons were necessary given ice up to the old chute. Pearly gates is totally melted out. Last stretch to the summit required some exposed mixed climbing, about 2:30 to the top.

Unfortunately crampons kept falling off (used s/lab alpine 2 and petzl leopards) while attempting to descend the old chute. Spent almost 2 hours trying to readjust until finally the ice had softened and I slowly side stepped back down to the Hogsback. Pretty demoralizing.

Back to the car around 5h30m, but figured I’d still try to go for the FKT. Somehow was able to run the timberline in 8h44m, no snow on the north side and temps were quite cool so ideal! Really think this one could go sub-12, will try again next year!