Activity Information

Hikers

East Esmeralda/East Ridge Direct

07/29/12 (Sun)

Trip
Tacoma Climbing


Michael Baker   (Qualified Youth Leader)

6:30am

North Bend Safeway


Cross the river from the parking lot and head up valley less than 1/8th of a mile before ascending on talus 350-400 feet. Run right on ramps to outflank cliffs and reach the toe of the ridgeline, and then head up and left on easy Class 2/3 ramps when available.

(If river is running high, it is usually possible to find easy crossings a little farther up the valley. Follow the Ingalls Lake trail for 1/4+ mile, cross, and then ascend to find an old built trail approx. 100 feet off the valley floor. Follow this left to find a gully with boot wear which reaches the base of the cliffs, and then traverse left on easy ramps/ledges to reach the base of the route.)

Continue up and right in a slight gulley (class 3), then straight up the arete on class 3/4 rock. At a slight bench, the crux is a single class 4 move with no real exposure. From here, the rest of the route follows the ridgeline all the way up on easy class 2/3, dodging left or right of the ridge as necessary.

Descend via easy scrambling routes on the West flanks of the mountain. (Down and right to outflank cliffs, ultimately following an old sheepherders path back down to De Roux Campground.)

Helmets are recommended; route sees little use, so there may be loose rock in places. Keep party size small to minimize issues with rockfall. Also recommend pre-screening party members for experience as the route offers no real options for an easy walk-off to bail mid-climb. Retreat will need to be done via downclimbing and/or rappel.

Registration for this activity is being handled by the leader. Please contact the leader directly to register for this activity.

Trip Data
Basic Alpine
2500
2.6
Moderate

Mt Stuart (USGS)

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