On right is Peak 2220 North, an objective in the Okpikruak River area of Alaska’s Brooks Range. When Erik Peterson and Doug Piehl found less-than-ideal conditions on this mountain, they scrambled up two other potentially virgin summits: Donis Mountain (7,191′) and Peak 2240 (7,529′). [Photo] Erik Peterson
On June 3, Doug Piehl of Washington and Erik Peterson of Alaska climbed two peaks in the East and West Forks of the Okpikruak River in Alaska’s Brooks Range. In a 34-hour day, the pair scrambled up an unnamed 7,191′ peak they are calling Donis Mountain and climbed Peak 2240 (7,529′). They believe neither has been climbed previously.
Prior to climbing Donis and 2240, the pair scouted along the more interesting Peak 2220 North before being turned back by wet rock and cornices. Plans to return were stymied when an ankle injury prematurely ended the climbing portion of their trip.
After yearly excursions to Rainier and Denali, the pair chose to take their 2010 trip in a more remote and wild setting to get a feel for what Peterson described as the “explorer’s attitude of the old West.”