Farrgo

The only ice you're going to get right now is on the alpine headwalls. Which of course are at the business end of glaciers. Mt. Maude might be your best option from Ellensburg. I don't know what conditions are like right now though.

I took the WFR with Andrew when he was with WMI and it was incredible. A few years later I retook it with WMI and it was not nearly as enjoyable or informative. Go to Remote Medicine and you'll have a much better experience.

The Roman headwall will be -icy-, but no ice. It's still only glacier travel. It's one of the steepest sections of the route ~35degrees I think. This time of year its probably crowned by a very short section of rock. No rock pro needed.

Don't forget your big gear when you head to the bugs. At the last second I ditched everything bigger then a number three and regreted it big time of the B-C.

Also check your pm's.

Point taken. I should of been more specific. I didn't expect anyone to tell me where to duck the rope for some fresh tracks. I just wanted to know if there was anymore to the backcountry around here than just St. Helens and Hood descents.

I was under the impression that the N Face melts out to the point that you wouldn't want to do by early summer every year?

Thanks gapertimmy and Winter. I have checked out turns all year and will get myself a copy of backcountry oregon.

I did it last August. I did rope up, for dear old dad. But the only way to fall in a crevasse is to stand on the edge and hurl yourself in. So leave it at home.

Thanks for the gracious and informative responses.

Is it just more or does it seem like Petzl-Charlet didn't think this tool out very well. I agree the new grip is an improvement. But, what is the deal with those jingus head weights? If they wanted to improve the performance of a primarily mixed (the rock part) climbing tool, why not make a hammer an option?

So I'm trying to get stoked on the backcountry scene after living in Bellingham for four years and then Summit County for one season. What the best backcountry areas in SW Washington and N Oregon? Come on, share the goods. Where are the secret stashes? Nate

How dare you tease me with this subject, just to see a picture of St. Helens Crater. I wish there was real ice climbing in the Cascades!

You still looking for partners? I could do Fri-Sat and possibly Sun. What routes are you looking at? Nate

Anyone want to go climbing in the Enchantments on either or both of these days? I'd be be interested in doing a route on Dragontail, SF of Prussik, CBR WF, Stuart, anything in that area. Send me a PM. Nate

Blake, I agree Rocky Butte is far worse in some areas. But, the bolting at the Butte is no where near Mt. Erie. The jist of it is that Mt. Erie could be a much better area if more care was taken placing bolts and perhaps (dare I say it) not placing bolts. Rocky Butte's main problem is the meth heads, not careless developing.

There are tons of useless and contrived routes there. Although there are many fun ones as well, the powerline wall, a fun short route in the cirque, and some stuff near zig zag. The trail system does suck, and I know where Mt. Baker is!

Awesome pics!

Dude, Erie is not a destination. You only climb there if you live within 30-40 mintutes. If you have an entire day and want the best climbing head to squamish, index, somewhere with long clean pitches.

Thanks fern.

Alright, so I tried http://www.cascadeclimbers.com/plab/Voile Mtn. Surfs.jpg in the image brackets, why didn't that work?

OK, apparently I don't know how to insert photos in the message. They are in my gallery. I'll put them in a message as soon as someone lets me in the loop.

Voile Mountain Surf Tele Skis 183cm. Complete with G3 Targa bindings and Black Diamond Ascension Skins. $180 Asolo AFS Expedition Plastic Boots. Size 11. $50

Anybody want to climb at Beacon tomorrow? I have the whole day off, give me a call.