South Arete Climber's Log : Climbing, Hiking & Mountaineering : SummitPost

South Arete Climber's Log

deniseftw - Jun 29, 2020 11:33 am Date Climbed: Jun 22, 2020

SEWS via the South Arête

There was a lot of snow on the trail but we didn't need to use crampons and/or an ice axe. We got super lucky with clear conditions and were able to reach the summit with no issues. This was my first time in Washington Pass and it was an awesome first alpine rock climb for the season. My climbing partner completed the first pitch and I combined the 2nd and 3rd pitches. The scrambling was super fun and summit views were spectacular. We didn't have to wait for other teams while climbing but it was fairly busy for a Monday. Make sure to plan accordingly if you choose to climb this on the weekend. Also, BEWARE OF THE GOATS!

tjprescott - Mar 18, 2019 11:15 pm Date Climbed: Aug 19, 2018

Fun Climb in the Not Fun Smoke

The sky was thick with smoke, but we were all eager to do this climb. It was great fun. Can't wait to come back and lead it one day (hopefully a beautiful clear day)!

chandlerhaberlack - Jun 6, 2017 12:02 am Date Climbed: Jun 5, 2017

Bluebird day

glissaded into a few trees on the way down.

millertime300 - Oct 3, 2014 7:44 pm Date Climbed: Sep 6, 2014

First of two that day

First pitch was fun

Fairley8 - Jul 8, 2014 2:37 pm Date Climbed: Jul 7, 2014

Fun Trip

We hiked in and open bivouacked on a flat rock ledge about 2/3 of the way up from the road. Amazing sunset and stars in the night! Got up early and climbed in perfect conditions. Sunny and little to no wind. There were ridiculous goats harassing people as we went up and down. Summit views were great with mountains in every direction. Really fun route. Highly recommended!

Buckaroo - Nov 3, 2012 1:23 am Date Climbed: Aug 15, 2008

Classic Climb

Fun solo linkup with the Becky route on Liberty. Also have descended this numerous times as it's the standard descent.

telemarkdude - Oct 8, 2012 9:16 pm Date Climbed: Aug 13, 1986

Nothing but Goats Here!

Nobody except for goats (and us) here today! A bit loose in places, but overall a decent route. Down climbed our ascent route.

TimmyC - Sep 8, 2012 11:53 am Date Climbed: Sep 7, 2012

Perfect weather

Bivied below; got up very early because the goats were curious about us, and with three wee babies in the herd, we didn't want any trouble from the mamas. Perfect weather, lots of sun but mild temps. We didn't see anyone else until the rap above the chimney. Nice!

Side note: the bolt in the middle of the Whale's back has returned; I wonder if it's a result of guide services taking big parties up there now?

JHH60 - Aug 27, 2010 8:59 pm Date Climbed: Jun 30, 2008

Fun climb

Nice easy climb after spending six days on Mt. Baker for an Alpine Ice class.

SteveMarr - Jul 29, 2010 7:06 pm Date Climbed: Jul 24, 2010

Fun intro to Washington Pass

We opted for the South Arête when there were already three parties at the base of the Southwest Rib. We belayed the first pitch and the traverse farther up, and simuclimbed the rest. It took us about 2 1/2 hours to climb and rap the route.

AJones - Mar 29, 2009 12:07 am

My first climb

in the Liberty Bell Group. Roped up for the first pitch and soloed the rest. Down soloed to the first pitch and then waited for about an hour for a spot to rapell.

kpthomson - Oct 10, 2008 3:55 pm

Loved the Billy Goats

The Billy Goats followed us around, lapping up the salt from our urine. ON way to remeber the climb, which by the way, was more difficult down-climbing!