Trip Report
Sharkfin Tower/East Face
4 Mountaineers, on a private climb, attained the summit via the SE Ridge (shouldn't this page be re-named Sharkfin Tower/SE Ridge?).
Marko Pavela
- Sat, Jun 17, 2017
- Sahale Peak/Quien Sabe Glacier
- Climbing
- Successful
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- Road suitable for all vehicles
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As of June 18, 2017, Cascade River Road is in good shape but gated approximately 1.5 miles before the trailhead.
Some blowdowns on the climbers route to Boston Basin. No big deal. Be prepared for a wet boot or minor ford while navigating creek crossings.
Quien Sabe is in great early season shape.
A big snow year made for a snowfilled chute up the steep rock wall just beyond the Quien Sabe glacier. Although we climbed from the glacier to the col/base of the climb unroped, it would be easy to imagine students being quite sketched by the steep snow. Good self belay techniques are a must.
Route was straightforward and as described, although I believe calling any of the pitches 3rd/4th class is sandbagging. There is simply too much exposure, even if there are only so many "real rock moves" on P1 and P3.
Be mindful to continue P2 to beyond the rap station as described in the trip page's beta. Otherwise, rope drag on P3 will be a real problem.
Our time, for a party of four (two intermediates, two basic grads), was 17 hours car to car counting the penalty miles along the gated road.