Observation Rock/North Face

Started at 7:00 at the trailhead from Mowich Lake. Hiking to Spray park turning off of the trail at a cairn. Then went cross country to the base of the Flett glacier. Arrived at the base at 11:30. Climbing was lots of fun. The 3 teams climbed the slope in either 3-4 pitches, depending on how far each team simul-climbed. The lower part used pickets. The pickets were more difficult to pound in as you moved up. Higher up, a mix of screws and pickets were used before the steep section. At the steep section the ice was hard, took screws beautifully. Dinner-plating in some areas. Great ice to climb on. 3 hours to climb the route in 4 full pitches. We finished the climb by scrambling to the top of Observation Rock. Had a nice rest at the summit, and enjoyed the intimate view of Rainier. Returned via the scramble route to the trail at the cairn on a climbers path. Hiked out to the cars returning to TH at 19:30.