TR Replies
How to do I approach the Trails differently if I want to ski via Cougar Divide? Is there a map online and could you give me some pretty good directions? I would drive up there, but I live about 350 miles away and I'm trying to get this all organized before I leave on Tuesday.
Don't know anything about fishing, but it sounds like you want to talk to the Glacier Ranger Station, 360 599-2714. No lakes up there, and only small snowmelt streams. There are definitely fish in the Nooksack North Fork below the waterfall.
IMO, Cougar Divide is a nicer way to access the Hadley Peak/Chowder Ridge area after the road opens July 1. Skyline is more crowded, and unless you're going to ski the short shots near where you access the ridge, there's no real adv...
IMO, Cougar Divide is a nicer way to access the Hadley Peak/Chowder Ridge area after the road opens July 1. Skyline is more crowded, and unless you're going to ski the short shots near where you access the ridge, there's no real adv...
Another thing...is there anywhere near there that I could do some fishing? Also, if I cought one of those $5 one day permits form the ranger's office, would that work if I stayed for 3 days? And do I have to buy one for each person in the group of just one for the group? Can we camp there??!!
Two summers ago I visited Mt Daniel in mid-August via the standard route and looked down the Lynch glacier. Not a pretty sight, the glacier doesn't even get close to Pea Soup lake anymore and there were crevasses that spanned the entire glacier.
The Daniel glacier looked more skiable as does the Foss glacier over on Mt Hinman.
The Daniel glacier looked more skiable as does the Foss glacier over on Mt Hinman.
First off "Its better to look good than ski good"
I sent my new sun shirt to the cleaners ,i want to protect that investment.
And now here is KEN's version of the Day -
Tom and I met Robie, Dorothea, Bob, Ron, and Jeanette
at Buzzsy's in Greenwater. Robie looked like a
distinguished Alpine mountaineer in his Tyrolean Hat,
Swiss shorts, and red suspenders. Tom also looked
quite dapper in his bright red polypro. We drove to
Sunrise and started walking...
I sent my new sun shirt to the cleaners ,i want to protect that investment.
And now here is KEN's version of the Day -
Tom and I met Robie, Dorothea, Bob, Ron, and Jeanette
at Buzzsy's in Greenwater. Robie looked like a
distinguished Alpine mountaineer in his Tyrolean Hat,
Swiss shorts, and red suspenders. Tom also looked
quite dapper in his bright red polypro. We drove to
Sunrise and started walking...
Dang, looks like I missed a good one! Nice photos Ron. My Baker climb was good, though I'll never posthole down again >:( JW
Great Pics Ron! Looks like great fun! I can't wait to hook up and toast some turns and burn some buns on the grill. I saw the mascot at Dege. It sure gets around!
Joe
Joe
Thanks Ron for the kind words. The Pocket Rockets were those of another 2 friends who got to the mountain a little earlier than us on Sunday. Fortunatly the skies cleared out somewhat after the thunderstorms. A couple of Park Rangers were trying to divert us from scrambling up the other run South of Dege. We were not foiled, we went around them at their request. As soon as they were out of sight up the hill we went on snow patches. We saw them leering at us over the deminished cornices as...
Thanks for the pics gregm.
We were on the false summit heading up just as the poor dog was leaving to descend. He didn't want to leave. We must've just missed your group heading down.
The guys with the dog were good folks.
We were on the false summit heading up just as the poor dog was leaving to descend. He didn't want to leave. We must've just missed your group heading down.
The guys with the dog were good folks.
Nice turns on Dege, Joe.
We were up there both days as well. Must have been Sat. when the Izuzu skiers wave at you. That was Robie with our group. He's the guy with the suspenders (4th from the left):
We also waved at some pretty happy skiers at the Dege hairpin on Sunday afternoon after...
We were up there both days as well. Must have been Sat. when the Izuzu skiers wave at you. That was Robie with our group. He's the guy with the suspenders (4th from the left):
We also waved at some pretty happy skiers at the Dege hairpin on Sunday afternoon after...
It was a great weekend... including the hot dogs!
Lots of other skiers up there. Wish we could have met them all.
Here's a shot of MadDog having her way with the "Widow Maker":
More shots of the trip are posted at:
http://groups.msn.com/WildHeartsSkiing/sunrise6282903.msnw
Lots of other skiers up there. Wish we could have met them all.
Here's a shot of MadDog having her way with the "Widow Maker":
More shots of the trip are posted at:
http://groups.msn.com/WildHeartsSkiing/sunrise6282903.msnw
Here are some pics of Chinook Pass on June 28 (just click)
http://photos.groups.yahoo.com/group/teampowder/vwp?.dir=/&.src=gr&.dnm=Brian+and+Rach+above+lake.jpg&.view=t&.done=http%3a//photos.groups.yahoo.com/group/teampowder/lst%3f%26.dir=/%26.src=gr%26.view=t
http://photos.groups.yahoo.com/group/teampowder/vwp?.dir=/&.src=gr&.dnm=DSCN0742.jpg&.view=t&.done=http%3a//photos.groups.yahoo.com/group/teampowder/lst%3f%26.dir=/%26.src=gr%26.view=t
h...
http://photos.groups.yahoo.com/group/teampowder/vwp?.dir=/&.src=gr&.dnm=Brian+and+Rach+above+lake.jpg&.view=t&.done=http%3a//photos.groups.yahoo.com/group/teampowder/lst%3f%26.dir=/%26.src=gr%26.view=t
http://photos.groups.yahoo.com/group/teampowder/vwp?.dir=/&.src=gr&.dnm=DSCN0742.jpg&.view=t&.done=http%3a//photos.groups.yahoo.com/group/teampowder/lst%3f%26.dir=/%26.src=gr%26.view=t
h...
Hummm. That's interesting. I just right click on the viewed picture; click Properties; highlight and copy the ENTIRE url (including the unintelligible garbage after the ".jpg") and then paste it over the "URL" that appears after clicking on the image icon.
Did you copy the url of the thumnail or the viewed picture?
At any rate, I agree, it is quite useful to see the stark contrast between the entrance in different snow years.
I've never don...
Jim - I think that was us, if you were the person I remember. We were hanging out at that spot a bit east of the true summit. It's cool to put a face to the name, although I might not be able to pick you out of a crowd yet. I will soon though, if you keep showing up at the summits of nice peaks on beautiful days at the same time as me.
Hmmm. So you're the reason I found nothing worthwhile under the Bachelor lifts yesterday. I was trying to conjure up a year's supply of pole baskets and mismatched gloves, but found only chapsticks, lighters, broken poles and $1.02 in United States currency. Fortunately, the views remain spectacular and the skiing was entirely reasonable.
Look at that grin! Yes, indeed, can't say strapped it on at the summit better than with this shot!
Like a kid who just found an unopened present under the Christmas tree...my TRs are now multimedia!
Ron - you rock. Thanks for checking up. The key I have found to make the picture work for me:
1. I opened the picture in the destination host site (the large picture, not a thumbnail). I created a 'new window' to have both the TAY and host site up for my convenience.
2. I right clicked on the picture to bring up the Properties of the picture. Under properties I copied the address only up to the .jpg and pasted this btw the Html tags on the TAY site. ...
1. I opened the picture in the destination host site (the large picture, not a thumbnail). I created a 'new window' to have both the TAY and host site up for my convenience.
2. I right clicked on the picture to bring up the Properties of the picture. Under properties I copied the address only up to the .jpg and pasted this btw the Html tags on the TAY site. ...
Not sure why your pic's not coming up in your post, MW, but the url is there in the properties, so I went and looked at it on msn. Thanks for putting it up. I'm thinking there's still a week or two left.
It's still looking a lot better than the dog leg we had to negotiate when we did it in 2001 on July 8th:
It's still looking a lot better than the dog leg we had to negotiate when we did it in 2001 on July 8th:
TeleRoss - my pilot friend (Matt) send me the photo's from our fly by. Didn't get a perfect shot (a little to soon, and just a little later), but I cropped one that probably shows the route on 6/27. Send me a pm if you'd like the jpeg. It would be great if you have a way to mark your ascent/descent lines and post it.
Hey, Corey - I think I said "hi" to you on the summit and asked which way you were skiing down, if you were that pair of guys hanging off a bit to the east of the horde that had gathered near the top between 2 and 3 (I strolled by you to check out the view over the eastern edge). Congrats on pulling off what sounds like a pretty cool ski route!
It's kind of hard when the trail is buried, huh?
Silas, Greg, and I found that trail, partly by luck, within less than a quarter mile from the south climb route. We did a loooong downward trending traverse where we were mostly able to keep skis on (one short carry, and I think it will significantly more carries very soon as it melts out), and kept checking the altimeter to be sure we weren't too low, and finally Silas and Greg got to use their GPS's for what they were intended, and we fo...
Silas, Greg, and I found that trail, partly by luck, within less than a quarter mile from the south climb route. We did a loooong downward trending traverse where we were mostly able to keep skis on (one short carry, and I think it will significantly more carries very soon as it melts out), and kept checking the altimeter to be sure we weren't too low, and finally Silas and Greg got to use their GPS's for what they were intended, and we fo...
Send me your e-mail and I'll forward you a photo of the couloir if you'd like. Or better yet - is the SKi Route photo page up and running yet? I could post there!
There will be snow in the chute proper for many more weeks. The entrance is the iffy part. I'd say another two weeks and you'd be scrambling. This wouldn't be too bad - maybe? Unless a monsterous cliff gets exposed. It's my first year here so I'll ask for general comments from those who know the area better.
The...
There will be snow in the chute proper for many more weeks. The entrance is the iffy part. I'd say another two weeks and you'd be scrambling. This wouldn't be too bad - maybe? Unless a monsterous cliff gets exposed. It's my first year here so I'll ask for general comments from those who know the area better.
The...
Debris were everywhere. And really there is no way to avoid the exposure to rockfall for nearly the entire length of the Finger, from the bottom on the Wilson Glacier at about 9500' all the way up to nearly 12,000'. Most of the significant danger is down around the lower sections of the Finger. We were not too concerned with rockfall on the ascent as we began a few hours before sunrise. And we had cleared the areas of most significant rockfall by the time the sun had hit...
To me, it looked very good. If I had had an extra day, I think I would want to be there skiing NFNWR right now. There's a big cliff at the bottom that has to be negotiated, but I believe it is always that way. The snow looked pretty smooth as far as I could tell. I couldn't really say how long it will be in, but later this week should be fine, at least I would think so.
Addendum: I forgot to mention that the mosquitoes are getting pretty ravenous. Bring protection.
-Josh
-Josh
My brother and I have always wanted to ski the Finger (will be next year now, of course). But one thing we've been concerned with based on reports by other alpinists and the CAG description is the amount of rockfall and potential for inevitable objective hazard in the hourglass and at a couple of other choke points between 11-13K. What did it look like far as evidence of rocks or rock tracks in snow, and did you in fact hear anything going on around you esp. given the late (by alpine standards)...
Nice trip, I was thinking of heading down that way later this week and was wondering what the NFNWR was looking like. Any info would be appreciated, thanks.
Ross
Ross
It's that easy. Follow the trail where you can find it, or ridge where you can't. In a few easy miles you break out of the trees onto a snowfield. From there continue up to get a view of the area, pick your slope and enjoy.
What's your estimate of how long any entrance to the chutes will last, or for that matter the snow in the chutes proper? I'm hoping to get my yearly July 4th Muir run in, and the chutes seem to always be the best option for avoiding wasting vertical traversing on the descent. Is it possible (even if unpleasant) to downclimb the choss to bridge a section if it's out of season? I've never had to try that.
Good report. I was slower than you- made it to the top of the chutes by 12:30. They were still very nice. It was my first time on the chutes and I was definitely impressed. I also enjoyed the 1st pitch from the summit.
What I'd like to know though: where the heck is the "Round the Mountain" trail? The bushwhacking in the heat wasn't pleasant.
What I'd like to know though: where the heck is the "Round the Mountain" trail? The bushwhacking in the heat wasn't pleasant.
In reference to the last paragraph of the first message in this thread, I descended the White Salmon-Avalanche Glaciers from the summit several years ago with Max Block and Lorna Hughes and ?. It was reasonable and worthy. Has anyone done it since the lahar activity on the Avalanche Glacier about 3 years ago?
Thanks for all the input guys. In the book, it gives the road directions. Go on State Route #542, right on to Glacier Creek Road #39, and then left on Deadhorse Creek Road #37. The book thens says that the trail climbs south through gladed forest for 2 miles, and then you break out of the forest onto an "expansive snowfield." It then says to continue climbing and ski where you will. Is it really that easy? Or is there something else I need to know ab...
We also encountered the Portland Search and Rescue at the parking lot as we were getting ready to leave in the morning. Thought at first they might be a park ranger, fearing they were checking registration! Turns out, they were looking for a "disoriented" lost, young male (early twenties) who called from a cell phone, solo on the moutain the previous day. Circus is the right word. I'll remember to camp elsewhere next time.
Sounds like you had a great ski, Ron and I did the SW chutes last year when they were in excellent condition, and are looking forward to catching them again for another awsome ski. It's truly a great one, with lots of vertical. ;D
Greg, Jim, John, and I did the same trip, just four hours behind you on the drive down, hike up, and ski down. We too found the skiing great, right from the top of the old hut on the summit, likewise took an hour to traverse back from the bottom of the SW chutes to the trail to Cold Springs.
Driving down later we avoided some of the traffic you describe, and we stopped just off FS road 23 to sleep quietly, then drove the final 1.5hrs into the circus of Cold Springs Campground...
Driving down later we avoided some of the traffic you describe, and we stopped just off FS road 23 to sleep quietly, then drove the final 1.5hrs into the circus of Cold Springs Campground...
whoops...should not write while dehydrated! We did see your group I am sure...perhaps it was more like11:30 when we dropped in. Still a bit firm!
Yep I was there in Summerland/Sunrise too! Don't bother with any but North facing slopes cause of runnels and sun cups.Nice lines ya all put down!
I agree park service should open road much earlier.A side benefits- it would save wear and tear on tundra and take pressure off Paradise. Interglacier looked in fine shape but we heard Glacier basin is runneled to heck
I agree park service should open road much earlier.A side benefits- it would save wear and tear on tundra and take pressure off Paradise. Interglacier looked in fine shape but we heard Glacier basin is runneled to heck
I get Sunrise and Summerland mixed up too. You must be almost as old as me ;)
We were the group that passed you headed for 3rd Burroughs when someone was getting ready to do a run down 2nd. Must have been you. Proly around 11:30 or 12:00?
Then we were the ones BBQing hot dogs sitting the lawn chairs at the generator road side of the parking lot when (I think it was) you guys returned.
We'll proly do it again tomorrow... there's so much to ski up there and so litt...
We were the group that passed you headed for 3rd Burroughs when someone was getting ready to do a run down 2nd. Must have been you. Proly around 11:30 or 12:00?
Then we were the ones BBQing hot dogs sitting the lawn chairs at the generator road side of the parking lot when (I think it was) you guys returned.
We'll proly do it again tomorrow... there's so much to ski up there and so litt...
Yeah, the skiing through most of the Finger itself was far from ideal, lots of suncups and down near the hourglass there were some fairly large runnels. But there were some great turns to be had also, and it was a completely continuous descent which was nice to do also. But I think if I were going to do the finger again, I would definitely do it earlier in the season, and hopefully find some better skiing conditions.
-Ross
-Ross
Congrats Ross! This morning I was able to do a close fly by of Rainier and thought FF looked to melted to ski - guess you proved that wrong. Way to go. 8)
Great info and story. Does anyone have an opinion on the snow condition for adams this weekend, June 28 - 29? It has been a very sunny june. Thanks Rich C
That's such a great ski when the conditions and weather are so perfect. 8)
nice report and photos, thanks for sharing.
wickstad:
We climbed just shy of a few hundred feet from the top, then traversed to the ridge trail. It looked easier to stay in the couloir than to scramble up mixed snow and rock. We didn't look carefully, but there's probably another exit option without having to bush whack down to FR 23.
-kam
We climbed just shy of a few hundred feet from the top, then traversed to the ridge trail. It looked easier to stay in the couloir than to scramble up mixed snow and rock. We didn't look carefully, but there's probably another exit option without having to bush whack down to FR 23.
-kam
Woo Hoo!
You nailed it. Outstanding.
Well Done.
Great Vidy, too.
So you ended up not using the "get away car"?
You nailed it. Outstanding.
Well Done.
Great Vidy, too.
So you ended up not using the "get away car"?
hey kam.
nice work!
is the only way in to the couloir from the top?
i.e. on your return did you climb all the way to the top then backtrack the ridge?
nice work!
is the only way in to the couloir from the top?
i.e. on your return did you climb all the way to the top then backtrack the ridge?
Terrific ski road song!!!
I was in that whiteout, too, up to Muir and skiing down hoping for a little visibility and not seeing much beyond the floaties in my retinas. Great snow early in the day, and it would've been perfect if I knew how to ski blindfolded. Trail was melted out around Pebble Creek area and part of Pan Pt.
I was in that whiteout, too, up to Muir and skiing down hoping for a little visibility and not seeing much beyond the floaties in my retinas. Great snow early in the day, and it would've been perfect if I knew how to ski blindfolded. Trail was melted out around Pebble Creek area and part of Pan Pt.