Big Kangaroo/West Route

Trip Date: 6/7/14
Start Location: Washington Pass Hairpin
End Location: Washington Pass Hairpin
Elevation Gain: 3160ft

General Activity Notes:
Departed the Washington Pass hairpin at 11:50am. Snow from the highway. Finding a route through the forested area was tedious. We paralleled a creek bed to climbers left until reaching a ridge and then followed the ridge to the approach gully. Would not recommend this approach without snow cover. 9-1/2 hours car to car.

Route conditions:
Due to the snow present we started the first pitch about a third of the way up, just below a large chockstone. Climbed first two pitches in boots. First two pitches are easily protected. Snow on the east side of the rappel station. The final short pitch to the summit is mostly friction and difficult to protect. Our lead climber was able to place a piece above the large flake on the far left. There was a short section of rope attached to the bolts at the summit.

Downclimbed to the rap station and then a single rope rap to the bottom.

Permits required?
No Northwest Forest Pass required.

Driving / parking notes:
Many vehicles parked at the hairpin but there was room for additional cars.

Equipment notes:
Carried and used ice axe. Carried but did not use crampons.


Required Skills:
Snow scrambling skills. Lead climbing skills.

Weather Notes:
Glorious early June day. Mostly sunny with some clouds. Temps in the low-mid 60’s.