Suggestion for Day Hike/Climb Near Seattle
Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2013 4:15 pm
Hi Guys,
I'm an East Coaster coming to Seattle for work for a few days next week and I gave myself a Saturday to get outside for the day before my flight on Sunday.
(My background) Originally from New Hampshire, competitive skier growing up, been hiking my entire life and been doing a bit of mountaineering and climbing as much as I can the last 6 years in the White Mountains. Now for those of whom are blessed with your wonderful terrain out here in the Pac Northwest, the Whites in New Hampshire are the best we can do - verticals up to 4K, very few serious routes, but what we do have is the worst weather in the world (recorded -http://mountwashington.org/ ). So, I am very comfortable in the elements from my days on end above treeline at night with the wind chills hovering between -30 to -80. What I don't have is technical climbing experience on steep routes requiring a bit more skill. I'm also well versed with snow packs, avalanche training, ect as I was a competitive skier for many years and I did a fair amount of time out on Mount Hood and the Rockies for training and competitions. So I know the snow, I know the mountains, I know my gear, I'm just not experienced in a more competitive environment. I'd love some suggestions for a peak that I could bag on a day trip that's not too far from Seattle (leave Seattle Friday night, car camp, and hit the trail the following day and be done and out Saturday afternoon.) Doesn't have to be too strenuous or too easy (I'd like some nice views of the surrounding region if possible) - maybe something in the 2.5-4K vertical range, and something with some foot traffic so that I won't be totally isolated. All of this is of course pending the weather, if all else fails I'll just go ski for a day - but'd I'd rather be on foot.
Thanks guys, looking forward to your sugggestions.
Best,
Geoff
I'm an East Coaster coming to Seattle for work for a few days next week and I gave myself a Saturday to get outside for the day before my flight on Sunday.
(My background) Originally from New Hampshire, competitive skier growing up, been hiking my entire life and been doing a bit of mountaineering and climbing as much as I can the last 6 years in the White Mountains. Now for those of whom are blessed with your wonderful terrain out here in the Pac Northwest, the Whites in New Hampshire are the best we can do - verticals up to 4K, very few serious routes, but what we do have is the worst weather in the world (recorded -http://mountwashington.org/ ). So, I am very comfortable in the elements from my days on end above treeline at night with the wind chills hovering between -30 to -80. What I don't have is technical climbing experience on steep routes requiring a bit more skill. I'm also well versed with snow packs, avalanche training, ect as I was a competitive skier for many years and I did a fair amount of time out on Mount Hood and the Rockies for training and competitions. So I know the snow, I know the mountains, I know my gear, I'm just not experienced in a more competitive environment. I'd love some suggestions for a peak that I could bag on a day trip that's not too far from Seattle (leave Seattle Friday night, car camp, and hit the trail the following day and be done and out Saturday afternoon.) Doesn't have to be too strenuous or too easy (I'd like some nice views of the surrounding region if possible) - maybe something in the 2.5-4K vertical range, and something with some foot traffic so that I won't be totally isolated. All of this is of course pending the weather, if all else fails I'll just go ski for a day - but'd I'd rather be on foot.
Thanks guys, looking forward to your sugggestions.
Best,
Geoff