West Peak Traditional Cache
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Terrain:
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(regular)
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West Peak is located near Mount Bogong, north east Victoria. It is classified by Bonzle.com as being the 2nd highest mountain in Victoria, it's nearby neighbour Mount Bogong is Victoria's highest peak.
There are two routes that can be taken to reach West Peak and Mount Bogong:
1.Staircase spur track – The track to the summit begins at the Mountain Creek Picnic Area and follows a vehicle track to the foot of the Staircase Spur, where the ascent begins through a forest of Peppermint Gums. After Bivouac Hut the track passes through Snow Gums and out onto the steep rocky ridge leading to the summit plateau.
The exposed treeless plain of the summit offers little shelter in poor weather. Strong winds, fog, freezing temperatures, rain and snow are all common at this altitude. Navigation can be extremely difficult so turn back at the tree line if conditions are poor or deteriorating.
The track commences at Camp Creek and it approximately 8klm in length and a 1400m ascent. Just over half way is Bivouac Hut which is an emergency shelter and provides good reason to rest and refuel – please leave the hut clean and with the doors closed. A pit toilet is also available at this location. Via this route is approximately 21.5klm to West Peak and return, it is a full hard day hike.
2. Eskdale spur track - The track climbs steeply up the Eskdale Spur past Michell Hut to the tree line where the track intersects with the Granite Flat Track. Once the shelter of the Snow Gums is left behind the remainder of the walk is very similar to the exposed rocky ascent of the Staircase onto the summit plateau.
It is approximately 4.5klm in length and the ascent is about 300m less than the Staircase spur track. The emergency shelter of Michell Hut provides a place to rest and refuel – please leave the hut clean and with the doors closed. A pit toilet is also available at this location. Via this route is approximately 14.5klm to West Peak and return, allow 6 – 8 hours.
You may wish to extend your journey by continuing onto Cleve Cole Hut to camp for the night.Cleve Cole Hut is in excellent condition (maintained by the Mount Bogong Club) and provides running water (not pottable) and toilet facilities. It provides sheltered and popular camping amidst the snow gums in beautiful surrounds.
How do I get there?
Significant hike – day trip minimum may be done as an overnight hike – classified as “Hard”
On the Kiewa Valley Highway, at the town of Tawonga, turn east into Mountain Creek Road. Travel for about 10.5km on the sealed road. Just before a one-lane bridge, there is a large picnic and camping area. This is where you park your car and it is the start of the Mt Bogong climb via Staircase spur track.
If you have a 4-wheel drive, continue past the Mountain Creek picnic area, on Mountain Creek road, you will start to climb into the ranges. At a saddle, there is a right hand turn named Trappers Gap track. Turn here and follow this for a few kilometres to an obvious saddle with a parking spot on the left. Due to a road realignment, this track will not appear on your GPS however if you take “right turns” you should reach this destination without issue. Eskdale Spur trail is shorter than Staircase and more direct and also starts about 300 metres higher, so is quicker and easier than Staircase. The only caution here is that the road can be quite slippery in wet conditions, exercise caution especially on the descent down Trappers Gap road into the saddle.
Be Prepared
The best months for walking are from November through to April, however, weather conditions can change rapidly, and snowfalls and blizzards can occur at any time of the year. During the summer period, bushfires can also pose a threat so check the CFA website for updates prior to departure.
Be prepared with:
• Warm clothing – hat, gloves, sunglasses, and strong footwear
• Food and water (at least 3L)
• First aid kit and sunscreen
• Map and compass
• Check the weather forecast before departing
• Let someone know where you are going
• Mobile phone (reception in some areas)
Additional Hints
(No hints available.)