SummitPost.org

I have an upcoming week long trip to the Seattle area. It looks like I may be alone, so my Rainier plans might be hosed.

Where should I go if I'm partner-less? What peaks are resonabke solos? I have no interest in glacier travel or technical climbing solo, but class 3/4 hiking and steep snow is great. I love scrambling, neve snow, big views, and remote places. Long approaches (multi-day climbs) are fine.


Mt. Adams is at the top of my list. What else?

Colchuck Peak, Mt Stuart, Dragontail, Little Annapurna, Mt Maude, Mt Buckner, and Mixup Peak all have steepish snow and rock scramble routes that avoid glaciers and offer spectacular secenery.

Mt Ruth and Icy peak have small, remant glaciers that are relatively save glaciers to solo. Scenery is also spectacular.

Mt Adams regular route.

when are you going to be in the area? I will be out there from the 26th-5th and would like to get on something similar if you are looking for a partner, though I can only do a day or two most likely.

Not until July, sorry.

What books/maps should I get? I was assuming the following would have me covered:

http://m.rei.com/mt/www.rei.com/product ... =prodInfor

http://m.rei.com/mt/www.rei.com/product ... =prodInfor

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Not until July 17, sorry.

What books/maps should I get? I was assuming the following would have me covered:

http://m.rei.com/mt/www.rei.com/product ... =prodInfor

http://m.rei.com/mt/www.rei.com/product ... =prodInfor

There are many N Cascades maps - are others better?

What map should I get for Adams? Is there a book I should get for it as well? I enjoy reading extensively about where I'm going, so I'll probably get "opional reading" if it's a well-written guide book.

I wouldn't worry too much about a book just for the Adams climb. There are books that include Adams, such as this one:
http://www.amazon.com/Selected-Climbs-C ... 386&sr=1-1
or this one,
http://www.amazon.com/Climbing-Washingt ... pd_sim_b_5

Which you may want to get. (I'd probably go for the first one). But, depends how much you want to do out of the book; otherwise, I'd get a bunch of stuff off of SP as well as other sites, make some copies, etc. and you're good to go.
Anyway, may be interested in joining you on Adams, or something else, if I'm free when you're here and we can manage to hook up.

Thanks!

I'll be climbing from Sunday 6/18 to Saturday 6/24. As it gets closer let me know.

I assume those dates are for July.

I'm often looking for a climbing partner.

Since I live in Portland and Mt. Adams is on my list every year. If nothing get in my way, I'm game to go along with you and show you the way. It's usually a problem for a newcomer to pick up the climber's trail as they pass Cresent Glacier. On any nice day - there are usually a few newbies as well as pros climbing.

It's not a dangerous mtn to climb, but it is a tough one.

If I can't come, I'll give your extremely specific information for the route up.

Last year I did West McMillan Spire solo. Great trip, long approach, remote setting, overall fabulous alpine area. Skirt a small glacier/snowfield and mostly 3rd class scramble. Pics here: http://northerncascades.shutterfly.com/, still need to get them on summitpost.

Great pictures Varga - thanks for sharing. I'll put it on my solo list.

Your pictures didn't give a good idea of your route, your trailhead.

Trailhead is about 15 miles west of Marblemont (ranger station for permits) along North Cascade Highway (Rt 20), if you hit Newhalen you went about 1/2 mile too far. Make a left for state campgrounds on dirt road, pass old gravel pits and about 1 mile in there is parking for 3-4 cars. Access is via an unmarked, climbers trail that follows the North side of Goodell Creek for about 3.5 miles then turns right climbing steeply for about 3 miles and 5000 ft. Drop down into Terror Basin for nice campsites. From camp you can see West Mac Spire. Route up skirts the east edge of Terror Glacier to the col between Inspitarion and West Mac, then follow the ridge up (2 miles and 3000 ft from camp.

billisfree wrote:I assume those dates are for July.

I'm often looking for a climbing partner.

Since I live in Portland and Mt. Adams is on my list every year. If nothing get in my way, I'm game to go along with you and show you the way. It's usually a problem for a newcomer to pick up the climber's trail as they pass Cresent Glacier. On any nice day - there are usually a few newbies as well as pros climbing.

It's not a dangerous mtn to climb, but it is a tough one.

If I can't come, I'll give your extremely specific information for the route up.

This is not a tough climb at all - just a snow slog - nor is it hard to find if you have a decent topo map and common sense. The views are great. It is also very popular, so you will hardly be really "solo".

One more quick PNW question - I'm arriving at Sea-Tac at 7pm Sat, and getting up early and driving to Adams on Sunday morning (assuming a favorable forecast). Where en route can I find isobutane canisters? There must be someplace near the trailhead with a quick lunch and basic supplies, right?

I hear the road to Mt. Adams is still snow-clogged and won't be open for another week or two.

See other Summit forum:
http://www.summitpost.org/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=53764