TR Replies
Man oh man what a shot that is!!!
Can I use that for my website trip report?
Credit will be dealt, of course
Can I use that for my website trip report?
Credit will be dealt, of course
The spectacular upper Roosevelt and north ridge, Mt. Baker. The north ridge is on the right, casting a shadow on the Roosevelt.
Nice job on the climb Scott!
I've thought before about climbing the north ridge, but never got a serious urge, and haven't yet. Perhaps it was because, as many others, I'd only seen its profile from the Coleman. Trip reports from climbs only include ph...
David!
You are the man! Thanks for the beta. I'm thinking of doing it this week if the weather is good...can't wait for that bushwhack ;D.
-kam
You are the man! Thanks for the beta. I'm thinking of doing it this week if the weather is good...can't wait for that bushwhack ;D.
-kam
Hey Kam...isn't bushwack your middle name? ;)
Yeah, I think it's definitely a worthy ski descent. Sky, Ben, Jason and I were up there in March, at which time you could clearly ski from the ridge. Not sure about the wack to get out of there though. Our goal was the summit, and not the glacier, but the weather was lousy. Given it's NE aspect, might want to hit it before it becomes to cupped & runnelled. Have fun.
Yeah, I think it's definitely a worthy ski descent. Sky, Ben, Jason and I were up there in March, at which time you could clearly ski from the ridge. Not sure about the wack to get out of there though. Our goal was the summit, and not the glacier, but the weather was lousy. Given it's NE aspect, might want to hit it before it becomes to cupped & runnelled. Have fun.
Ron,
Thanks again for the wake up call. Everyone I talked to (about 10 people) on Saturday night had better plans than going skiing. I originally wanted to go explore around the Mountain Loop highway area, like near Monte Cristo or Sloan Peak. The other option was to ski down the north chute of Mount Pugh, then follow Stujack creek down to White Chuck river. I wonder if ditching a bike there and riding back to the car would be feasible? Say, has anyone skied that c...
Thanks again for the wake up call. Everyone I talked to (about 10 people) on Saturday night had better plans than going skiing. I originally wanted to go explore around the Mountain Loop highway area, like near Monte Cristo or Sloan Peak. The other option was to ski down the north chute of Mount Pugh, then follow Stujack creek down to White Chuck river. I wonder if ditching a bike there and riding back to the car would be feasible? Say, has anyone skied that c...
It seemed cold - you had a photo of Kam skinning up in a shell; i thought in June / July you skin up in a t-shirt...
Temps in the Cascades in the summer, especially on the volcanoes, can vary from blistering heat to full on winter blizzard conditions (sometimes in the same day!!), depending on the weather. I started climbing in a tank top on this trip and had 4 layers on the top at one point later in the day.
Great info, Robie...
And thanks for the timely Saturday info so a Sunday skier can use it to put the final tweaks on the Sunday outing plans.
That song of the Dutchess' could turn into a classic. Maybe Lowell might sing it along with the other song he does in his "History of Ski Mountaineering" presentation :)
And thanks for the timely Saturday info so a Sunday skier can use it to put the final tweaks on the Sunday outing plans.
That song of the Dutchess' could turn into a classic. Maybe Lowell might sing it along with the other song he does in his "History of Ski Mountaineering" presentation :)
Greg - Thanks for the report... especially the snow coverage and conditions.
The info is extremely valuable for us all.
I was meaning to take a drive up there from Crystal on sunday to scope it out but musta had another "senior moment" and let it slip thru the cracks.
The info is extremely valuable for us all.
I was meaning to take a drive up there from Crystal on sunday to scope it out but musta had another "senior moment" and let it slip thru the cracks.
I scrambled up Hadley Peak three summers ago from Chowder Ridge. At that time, the road closure was only seasonal and it opened sometime in July I think. Check the road report on the MBS National Forest webpage for updates, if that doesn't have the information, call the ranger station.
The road was long and very bumpy, but passable in my Ford Escort at very slow speeds. The last 1/4 mile or so only a full 4WD could drive up, but there was a pull off for parking. Th...
The road was long and very bumpy, but passable in my Ford Escort at very slow speeds. The last 1/4 mile or so only a full 4WD could drive up, but there was a pull off for parking. Th...
To rub salt in the wound, it was one of those weekends where all the usual suspects were busy with other pressing matters more important than skiing. No matter, a short solo seemed a good call, and I had stuff to do at home anyway.
Looks like you had some really great turns at CM. I was one of those usual suspects that was out gallivanting about, not skiing but bike riding the Mt. St. Helen's "Tour De Blast" bike ride. &...
Nice score, Ron and Kam. I appreciate the efficient clverness of this report at least as much as I appreciate the ambition and pioneering spirit shown in some of those other reports. There is a time for both.
To correct my statement, I mixed up CR and CD and that paragragh should have read as follows:
From what I can tell from maps and from seeing over to CD from Skyline Divide, CD seems to be a shorter and easier access to the high areas immediately around Hadley Peak, including Chowder Ridge. On the other hand CD is lower than SD during the early part of the journey. Also, what I saw a couple of weeks ago was that you probably will need to travel farther south to hit consistent s...
From what I can tell from maps and from seeing over to CD from Skyline Divide, CD seems to be a shorter and easier access to the high areas immediately around Hadley Peak, including Chowder Ridge. On the other hand CD is lower than SD during the early part of the journey. Also, what I saw a couple of weeks ago was that you probably will need to travel farther south to hit consistent s...
I'll reply here along with an email so that others can see and comment on my response as well. In case I make a mistake.
I hear that Chowder Ridge really was the primary objective in this area, via Cougar Divide. However a few years ago when I first attempted to do CD, I was told at the ranger station that the road into that area was closed do to animal migration issues. Burgdorfer's most recent book suggests that the road closure is to become permanent. So the roa...
I hear that Chowder Ridge really was the primary objective in this area, via Cougar Divide. However a few years ago when I first attempted to do CD, I was told at the ranger station that the road into that area was closed do to animal migration issues. Burgdorfer's most recent book suggests that the road closure is to become permanent. So the roa...
Great Shots Ron!
Sorry I missed out and bailed the night before you on Kam. I'm sure Kam got some cool pics also. I look forward to those. Looked like a great time for the both of you! You saw that Silver Basin looks snow covered still- about how far down? Great work! Was there new snow and did you see anyone else?
Joe
Sorry I missed out and bailed the night before you on Kam. I'm sure Kam got some cool pics also. I look forward to those. Looked like a great time for the both of you! You saw that Silver Basin looks snow covered still- about how far down? Great work! Was there new snow and did you see anyone else?
Joe
Hi Ron
Great shot! I am sure JW would agree. It seemed cold - you had a photo of Kam skinning up in a shell; i thought in June / July you skin up in a t-shirt...
Are you already starting to make some preliminary plans for July 6?
Cheers
ivo
Great shot! I am sure JW would agree. It seemed cold - you had a photo of Kam skinning up in a shell; i thought in June / July you skin up in a t-shirt...
Are you already starting to make some preliminary plans for July 6?
Cheers
ivo
Hey. I live over in Spokane and I really want to get into backcountry hiking. I got a pack, an Osprey Ceres 38-liter, and I'm thinking about going on a hike up to Chowder Ridge and Skyline Divide sometime between July 7th-11th. I bought the book "100 Classic Backcountry Ski and Snowboard Routes (in Washington)", and it has Chowder Ridge listed as Intermediate. From what I've read it seems like a pretty easy hike and I want to try it out. I have driving and...
Hey. I live over in Spokane and I really want to get into backcountry hiking. I got a pack, an Osprey Ceres 38-liter, and I'm thinking about going on a hike up to Chowder Ridge and Skyline Divide sometime between July 7th-11th. I bought the book "100 Classic Backcountry Ski and Snowboard Routes (in Washington)", and it has Chowder Ridge listed as Intermediate. From what I've read it seems like a pretty easy hike and I want to try it out. I have driving and...
The collage is a great idea! Thanks for creatively working within the photo posting guidelines.
Wow, who would think, new snow on the first day of summer. Sounds like you had a pretty good ski. Great song, can't wait to see skinut's new wheels.
Amar, thank you very much for this post! I have wondered if I could ever muster the 5 mile hike into TFJ via the PCT for a relatively short ski here...(One of my personal goals is to ski on all the major cascade volcanoes also).... This TH gives me hope!!! (Call me lazy) I thank you again, for you have re-kindeled my desire for TFJ.
David-I am very impressed with Sky's adventures. Thanks for sharing the link. I guess one could say the Sky's the limit.
Kam- Great collage! I hope to get out on Sunday. I think the weather looks to be fair on Sun. If weather is workable we could hook up. I sent you an e-mail on your site. Great Pictures!
It is so cool to have access to such great info. All hail the founders!
Joe
Kam- Great collage! I hope to get out on Sunday. I think the weather looks to be fair on Sun. If weather is workable we could hook up. I sent you an e-mail on your site. Great Pictures!
It is so cool to have access to such great info. All hail the founders!
Joe
Cool pics, Kam... you da man! ;D
Joedabaker:
I know nothing about the Goat Rocks tour but would love to do it. How's the weather looking for this weekend anyway? I was thinking about heading out for the day on Sunday.
I finally got my slides back from the Mount Adams ski. Here's a collage of misc shots from the trip. I made the collage to show highlights of the trip, but also to keep from breaking the rules of posting more than one image.
As for bush whacking, it's great!
-kam
I know nothing about the Goat Rocks tour but would love to do it. How's the weather looking for this weekend anyway? I was thinking about heading out for the day on Sunday.
I finally got my slides back from the Mount Adams ski. Here's a collage of misc shots from the trip. I made the collage to show highlights of the trip, but also to keep from breaking the rules of posting more than one image.
As for bush whacking, it's great!
-kam
Keeping the dream alive? With much respect, if you want to talk serious about keeping the dream alive than I suggest you look no further than Sky Sjue's (http://staff.washington.edu/skykilo/) or Ben Manfredi's websites. I think their most recent adventures brings this to the forefront. Good job guys on your adventure into the Pickets last week, and your ski descents of Mt. Fury and Luna Peak.
looks like you guys had a nice day again :) great pictures
have fun this weekend
cheers
ivo
have fun this weekend
cheers
ivo
Great job Kam! I really enjoy the videos. I'm sure Metcalf is smiling enjoying your adventures. Have you considered a Goat Rocks tour? If you have-consider throwing my name in the hat. I will hopefully get some more info today from my Goat Rocks on field consultant. I laugh reading about your bush wacking adventures. It reminds me of why people avoid following me skiing when I bring up a new place to ski, that I think I can get to if I just.... Some how it always leads to a bush wack. Keep...
Thanks for the kind words, Joe.
Yes, there is really some great tours around Paradise.
Sorry to hear about your knee. It's always a struggle when you're nursing injuries.
Nonetheless, it sounds like you're doing your part at keeping the dream alive, too!
Yes, there is really some great tours around Paradise.
Sorry to hear about your knee. It's always a struggle when you're nursing injuries.
Nonetheless, it sounds like you're doing your part at keeping the dream alive, too!
That was a great day of skiing! I hiked to the Castle late in the day Sunday. I hooted at 2 skiers skiing down. I was looking at your tracks on Foss. Great work! Unfortunatly I tweaked my knee on the climb up to Castle. I was dreaming of the ski from The peak of Foss to the Road. There is one direct line that is very steep and going to rot out soon. The knee was not bad enough to keep me from climbing to Muir the next afternoon and skiing down as the sun was sinking. The snow surface looked like...
The earliest of our group met PhotoMatt's band of orbiters on Monday night, reporting that they looked somewhat tired upon arrival in the parking lot around 9:30 or 10:00 pm.
Nice job, I sorta remember being extremely tired upon my arrival back to the car.
Joshua
Thanks about the photo - a backdrop like that makes for some great shots!
Mad_Dog, I got a good look at "Courage Classic" from both the top and bottom. It and other 2nd Burroughs runs into Berkeley Park were well filled in, but as I said, there was a lot of old avi debris. Maybe this will have melted/consolidated by the time the road opens, to produce the nice skiing conditions of last year. I didn't go up to the saddles of Sourdough Ridge, so I can't say for sure about those ru...
Mad_Dog, I got a good look at "Courage Classic" from both the top and bottom. It and other 2nd Burroughs runs into Berkeley Park were well filled in, but as I said, there was a lot of old avi debris. Maybe this will have melted/consolidated by the time the road opens, to produce the nice skiing conditions of last year. I didn't go up to the saddles of Sourdough Ridge, so I can't say for sure about those ru...
wow, this is one classy picture!!! beautiful!
Right on. Thanks for the info. Funny though, I almost never call Ranger stations for info on trails if all they are doing is policing parking lots and collecting money at access points (sarcasm is rich this am). I much prefer the 'man (or women) on the scene'. Can't tell you how many times I've gotten bad info from Park and Forest Rangers.
Brewer Creek was the original destinations, but you should call for current conditions. The road snow is melting really fast and they are starting to clear trees, so the other roads may open soon.
Fun pictures - I really like the descent route photo - most informative.
I've got a Shasta trip cooking myself...you wouldn't happen to know how the Whitney Falls road fairing - is this passable? Was your original destination Brewer Creek?
I've got a Shasta trip cooking myself...you wouldn't happen to know how the Whitney Falls road fairing - is this passable? Was your original destination Brewer Creek?
Very nice Charles. Did you happen to check out two of our runs, of which you have also skied, "Fear Factor" and "Courage Classic"? Is the parking lot clear of snow, and any word on the "official" opening of Sunrise?
Ron-
You are so right. This forum is really valuable, with posts like this one from Kam. I really enjoyed watching the film, and the access info was so good. According to the rangers, the road won't be open for another month, so it was great to hear firsthand from someone in the field.
Looks like Adams is in primo condition.
You are so right. This forum is really valuable, with posts like this one from Kam. I really enjoyed watching the film, and the access info was so good. According to the rangers, the road won't be open for another month, so it was great to hear firsthand from someone in the field.
Looks like Adams is in primo condition.
I thought a bit about Ben Thompson while looking across the Thunder Glacer from camp. The following morning, looking down the Deming I thought of him again. That's a mighty steep gorge! Their perseverance must have been remarkable to wait out the storm in Kulshan Cabin and then continue on to cross this. I wonder why he chose this route - the Colfax saddle is clearly the easiest way. If they had chosen this route, they perhaps would have completed the traverse. &nbs...
Parked about a quarter mile from the TH.
Hiked to about 6500' and skinned from there to the top.
I used ski crampons/ice axe on the climb from the Lunch Counter to the False Summit.
Hiked to about 6500' and skinned from there to the top.
I used ski crampons/ice axe on the climb from the Lunch Counter to the False Summit.
Nice job Kam and friends. Looks like a great time with a good weather window. ;D
It was the Olympia branch of the Mountaineers, basic climbing class.
Thanks for the report, Brent.
Sounds like you parked fairly close to Cold Springs?
Sounds like you parked fairly close to Cold Springs?
Good info, Marmot.
Thanks.
What group was doing the crevasse rescue class?
Thanks.
What group was doing the crevasse rescue class?
Good words, JWman.
As I recall, Mad Dog, that Ranger that gave us a ride last year was female. So what am I getting at? Uh, oh well, I think I'd better drop this before I get into trouble ;D
She probably just felt sorry for us.
Here's a shot of the world famous Jerry of JW Designs, crankin' out corn on the Foss:
As I recall, Mad Dog, that Ranger that gave us a ride last year was female. So what am I getting at? Uh, oh well, I think I'd better drop this before I get into trouble ;D
She probably just felt sorry for us.
Here's a shot of the world famous Jerry of JW Designs, crankin' out corn on the Foss:
Nice TR Matt. It was an amazing trip, one that I was glad to be a part of, even though the one day push seemed to go on forever and ever and there were many nerve racking moments. This trip did teach me much about ski-mountaineering and I also now have a new found respect for Mount Baker from traversing/skiing the magnificant Mazama and Park glaciers.
One more thing, I highly recommend ski crampons for those that have compatible bindings.
Joshua
One more thing, I highly recommend ski crampons for those that have compatible bindings.
Joshua
Nice report, Matt. It's great to hear of people doing imaginative trips.
You mentioned the 1932 partial orbit led by Ben Thompson. It's hard to overstate the importance of that trip. It was, as far as I can tell, the first real alpine ski traverse done in the Northwest. It was years ahead of its time, I think. I've found no other written references to ski mountaineers carrying multi-day packs and camping out on snow above timberline for days in a row in the Cascades until the 1940s, and e...
You mentioned the 1932 partial orbit led by Ben Thompson. It's hard to overstate the importance of that trip. It was, as far as I can tell, the first real alpine ski traverse done in the Northwest. It was years ahead of its time, I think. I've found no other written references to ski mountaineers carrying multi-day packs and camping out on snow above timberline for days in a row in the Cascades until the 1940s, and e...
Wow. I am truly inspired. Thanks for the great TR.
Scotteryx,
Nice report. Sounds like a really fun climb. Nice job holding out for 17 hours!...gotta love those long and hard days.
-kam
Nice report. Sounds like a really fun climb. Nice job holding out for 17 hours!...gotta love those long and hard days.
-kam
It was another great day in the PNW and yet another great "corn" harvest alright!! Don't know why I could get that ride, it's worked before, even got a lift from the Park Ranger ;D