Bomber Hut

Pedestrian access

Accessing the hut requires glacier travel skills, beware of inherent risks.

Via Reek Lakes: From the end of Reed Lakes trail ascend northeast toward the northwest ridge of Lynx Peak. Cross over the ridge at its lowest point which is the Bomber Pass (N 61 51.274, W 149 07.995) onto the Bomber glacier. Be aware of the possible avalanches on this slope. Descend the glacier north north-east towards Parliamint Peak. The hut’s metallic siding might be visible in the valley below. Get off the ice and descend boulders and tundra to Bartholf Creek, cross the creek over boulders and you will come up on the hut within 100 yards on a bench.

Via Snowbird Glacier: Be aware of avalanches on this route, it might be slightly less risky than Reed Lakes route, but it is still prone to slides.

Take the trail to Reed Lakes, but before crossing Glacier Creek, find a trail to the left. Ascend for about 1200 feet to Snowbird Mine where the trail ends. Continue past the ruins and follow the creek short ways up valley. Begin ascending trending left over scree, boulders and dwindling trail as you follow Glacier Creek past Didilkama. Eventually climb to the pass between Didilkama and Lower Tower at upper Snowbird Pass. Descend the glacier. As you descend you will notice the American Alpine Club dome-shaped hut on the right moraine. Continue down the glacier to the terminus and either follow the outlet creek over some waterfalls or follow the ridge to the left. Continue past the lake and follow Bartholf Creek north through heavy bushwhacking and boulders. About 1 ½ miles from the lake turn right and ascend the eastern branch of Bartholf. The hut might be visible far in the distance. Follow the creek through some brush for two miles. The hut is on the north side of the creek on a tundra bench overlooking a lake to the left. If you go too far you will run into one of the glaciers feeding the creek so turn around and look for the hut again.

Via Mint Hut: From the rear of the Mint Hut head up the valley trending left towards a large boulder slope. Beware of avalanche conditions on the slope. Ascend the slope to a pass between Tenemint and Hunchback Spire. You are at the Backdoor Gap (5650 feet, N 61 51.734, W 149 05.761) Descend Penny Royal Glacier past Parliament Peak, keep descending left (west). Cross East branch of Bartholf Creek below the waterfall and continue west about ½ mile to the tundra bench where the hut is located.

Details

Water: 50 yards slightly to the right of the front door among boulders, or use the numerous creeks. Outhouse: 20 yards from the front door, burn your used toilet paper. Inventory: Sleeps 7-9, insulated, lantern, Coleman 2-burner cook stove, bring your own fuel, books and reading material. Location: Bartholf Creek valley, 1 ½ miles north of the Bomber Glacier, 8 miles from the Reed Lakes trailhead. Elevation 3900 feet.