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Visiting Washington May 16 to 21 - trip advice

  • pjt
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18 years 9 months ago #177992 by pjt
A friend and I will be flying into Seattle from Vermont May 16th with general plans to bc ski and camp for 2 or 3 days and hopefully mountain bike one day (we'll bring shoes, helmet and pedals and rent bikes).  I had some general trip ideas like head down to Mt. Adams for 2 or so days then ride in the Hood River area.  Another idea would be to ski and camp somewhere along route 20 (Birthday tour or Sahale perhaps) but then ride where afterwards?  Bellingham area like Galbraith?  Another thought was to ski somewhere along rt2 then head to Leavenworth area to ride.  We're experienced backcountry skiers but not very experienced in crevasse rescue so routes with minimal or no glacier travel would be preferred.

Any ideas would be appreciated!  I've skied Adams several times so I know what to expect there but I think I'm more interested in a ski tour in the North Cascades since I've spent very little time there.

Thanks, PJT

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  • wood_Ster
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18 years 9 months ago #178006 by wood_Ster
Galbraith would be a good idea :)

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  • Merk
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18 years 9 months ago #178007 by Merk
Yes I'd say Galbraith (getta map) and a ski along 20 is your best bet. That's the best WA has to offer I think. Good luck!

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  • David_Coleman
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18 years 9 months ago #178008 by David_Coleman
Replied by David_Coleman on topic Re: Visiting Washington May 16 to 21 - trip advice
Sulphide Glacier on Mt. Shuksan is a good early season ski with minimal crevasse issues. There is also Ptarmigan Ridge heading out toward Baker from Artist Point (a classic place to haul skis into, with many skiing options).

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  • Jerm
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18 years 9 months ago #178009 by Jerm
Hwy 20. That's where it's at right now. Tons of mtn biking right down the road in Winthrop, my guess better than L-worth. Nice free camping up the Methow past Lost River. Ski Silver Star for something bigger. This could be combined with a Bellingham mission should you choose to accept it. You can rent bikes in Winthrop too.

What's with all the Vters coming out? I've got 2 coming in on the 19th.

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  • Jim Oker
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18 years 9 months ago #178010 by Jim Oker

Sulphide Glacier on Mt. Shuksan is a good early season ski with minimal crevasse issues.  There is also Ptarmigan Ridge heading out toward Baker from Artist Point (a classic place to haul skis into, with many skiing options).


Unfortunately the Sulphide is not as good an option this year as usual - per the NFS web site, it's a long and annoying walk to the trailhead:
05/07/2007: INACCESSIBLE
ROAD CLOSED DUE TO STORM DAMAGE. DISTANCE TO TRAILHEAD 6.3 MILES. Road is inaccessible due to washout on Baker Lake Road. Distance is 6.3 miles (and over 150 downed trees) from washout to Shannon Ridge trailhead.


I'd second the Ptarmigan Ridge suggestion - nice views, lotsa terrain, very accessible. There are also multiple camping/skiing options around Mt Rainier, but not sure if that gets you as near to nice bike options for after.

You mention Adams in your query - you may be aware that the trailhead to the South Climb is a fair walk on snow-blocked road this time of year.



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