Fairchild Mountain: Fay Lakes Approach

Type: Backcountry or Sidecountry

From Lawn Lake Trailhead, follow the Lawn Lake Trail along the Roaring River. After 1.5 miles, leave the Lawn Lake Trail and take the Ypsilon Lake Trail across the river. The trail climbs away from the river through a dense pine forest.

Once you reach Ypsilon Lake, hike or skin along the south shore and cross the outlet stream. From here, things get tricky. Bushwhack northeast for 0.6 miles to the lowest and smallest of the Fay Lakes. This is almost always a slog and takes longer than one would think. Eventually, Fairchild Mountain will come into view; you'll know you're getting closer.

After you reach the lowest of the lakes, follow the inlet stream uphill (to the north) to the larger and rounder Middle Fay Lake. Take the western shore along the lake to the bottom of the Hourglass Couloir (South Face). Follow the path of least resistance through the rocky terrain and up the South Face.

This is definitely a ski mountaineering ascent. Crampons and an axe are often necessary for the final few thousand feet, during the spring season.