North Ridge : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost

This route is accessed via Whatcom Pass, 17 miles from Ross Lake or 17 miles from the Hannegan Pass Trail. We actually down climbed this route to Whatcom Pass on our traverse from Perfect Pass and our previous days attempting Challenger. It is a spectacular climb and Peak with relatively moderate climbing once you get to Whatcom Pass. See Whatcom Peak Beta.

Getting There

Pick your starting point, Ross Lake or Hannegan Pass. Walk 17 miles up and down.

Route Description

From Whatcom Pass you will find a climbers trail to start you on the ridge, but soon you will be on snow or broken rock. Follow your insticts, stay pretty much on the ridge. When in doubt, stay on the west side of the ridge, especially the higher you get. You can go right on the ridge proper for better rock, but I don't think you should consider this an easy class three scramble even though the Beckey and Potterfeild/Nelson books say so. Maybe there's a perfect line for class three, but be prepared for more. It is scenic and fun.

Essential Gear

Depends on the time of year. We used a rope on the upper rock, crampons and ice axe on the snow.

External Links

LINK TEXT HEREhttp://www.nwhikers.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=7961496&highlight=whatcom+pass

http://www.rosslakeresort.com/ross-lake-resort-transportation.cfm

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