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McMillan Spire/West Ridge

Trip

Basic Alpine Climb - McMillan Spire/West Ridge

A very tough basic alpine climb in the Southern Pickets.

Contacts

Jeffrey Wirtz
Jeffrey Wirtz
Primary Leader
Qualified Youth Leader
  • Sat, Jul 27, 2019 — Sun, Jul 28, 2019
  • Tacoma Basic Alpine Climbing
  • Climbing
  • Basic Alpine
  • Adults
  • Strenuous 5, Technical 2, Basic Alpine Climb
  • Challenging
  • Mileage: 16.0 mi
  • Elevation Gain: 9,800 ft

We will plan to car camp and get the permit the day before (Thursday, 7/25).

Excellent physical condition and navigation skills, plus a high tolerance for bushwhacking, are mandatory for this trip.

Priority given to Tacoma branch climbers until July 8th. Please wait until registration opens before contacting the leader.

Route/Place

McMillan Spire/West Ridge


  • Green Trails Mt Challenger No. 15
    Green Trails Marblemount No. 47
    USGS Mt Challenger
    USGS Mt Triumph
    Trails Illustrated North Cascades National Park
  • See full route/place details.
Roster
Required Equipment

Required Equipment

  • The Ten Essentials
  • Mountain boots that can accept crampons (not hiking boots)
  • Crampons
  • An ice axe (not technical ice tools)
  • A back pack (40 to 60 liters)
  • Webbing and accessory cords
  • 6 straight gate carabiners
  • 2 locking carabiners
  • Large pear-shaped carabiner
  • Belay device
  • Climbing harness
  • Helmet
  • Chock pick (nut tool)
  • Rescue pulley
  • Fleece or puffy jacket
  • Rain jacket and full-zip rain pants
  • Belay gloves
  • Warm gloves or mittens
Trip Reports