Stage 4, Ptarmigan Traverse

Stage 4 leaves White Rock Lakes to traverse and cross Spire Pass, then descends W to and beyond Cub lake. The Forest Service discourages camping near the Cub lake, but there are some good sites in the trees beyond and above it. The green lines and arrows show detours to climb some of the peaks; the red line is a possible alternative exit (probably much harder than walking out Stage 5). Itswoot Ridge runs waway from Spire Pass to the SSW. There are good campsites on it to use as a base for climbing Dome and its satellites.