Great trip through the Gorge with 10-20+ kt of wind and waves up to about 3'. Fun but exhausting due to continuous sprinting/surfing through spectacular scenery.
This is an amazing climb on the North (less popular) side of Hood. It included an exciting bergschrund crossing on the Elliot Glacier, steep snow up the North Face right gully, two nice WI2-3 ice steps, and even some mixed climbing to get through a rock outcropping just below the summit. We did it in two days camping just below Snow Dome with a ski approach and descent to camp. All in all a great route with lots of fun climbing and some fun skiing on the way down.
Route is still fairly direct and in good shape. No ladders at this time.
This is an amazing three day climb on fantastic terrain in a dramatic committing setting with very few other parties on the route. We climbed on 8 glaciers, ascended over 11,000' up steep snow, a full pitch of WI-3 ice, and climbed a short rock pitch at over 12,000'. On the last pitch of the technical climbing we used pickets, ice screws, fixed pitons, and nuts for protection. It was the best climb I've done on Rainier.
Route DOES NOT GO. Snow bridge / crevasse collapse at 8800 feet.
An easy and fun scramble to summit one of the Cascade 20 peaks. This was an add-on scramble to a trip to climb Mount Shasta which was a plan B after an Ice Cap Traverse trip on the North Cascades was weathered on. Very glad to have added this peak. Great prominence, stunning views and an easy rock scramble on a very fun ridge. At this time, only a few snow patches that could be mostly avoided. Great add-on to Shasta to make the long drive more worthwhile.
A relatively easy, peaceful backpack trip to a beautiful, clear alpine lake.
As usual, Hammersley did not disappoint. And we saw sea stars!!
Very beautiful summits although Lemah should be considered a Basic Alpine Climb
This is a tough trip! I can see why it rarely gets scheduled as a basic climb... only a really strong party would want to do it in two days; strongly suggest 3 and enjoying the Napeequa Valley.
Some steep rope climbs, but no bugs at Toleak Point. Many people on the beach, but did not seem crowded.
This long, misty, and moist traverse allowed us to hone many of our scrambling skills, as well as providing a stunning Grand Park finish.
A great trip with great folk and a successful summit.
Great trip with great folks. Made it to 9,300 feet then decided to bail due to thunderstorms building.
The approach to Pinnacle Peak is a quick and easy forest and then switch back trail to the saddle between Pinnacle and Plummer Peaks. The trail up to Pinnacle is at times hard to find, but follows a rock and scree route - careful for rockfalls (helmets recommend). The last few hundred feet require scrambling and easy rock climbing skills to reach the peak.
Despite great weather forecasted, we were socked in the pea soup of the clouds the entire trip. But, we did manage a successful summit.
Successful Wednesday evening paddle in Olympia. Wind about 10-13 out of the west southwest. Not gusting too bad. Paddled west to Cooper Point and got into the wind shadow. Down the shore to the inlet behind Silver Spit and then to a point where Tykle cove begins. We crossed directly to Burfoot with the wind at our backs.
Wildflowers, moderate breeze & temperature, few bugs & people
