kurthicks

I guided a trip last year in the Ruth Gorge for The North Face. Alex was there and we spent some camp time talking about climbing in Washington--he's been out to our crags and said he'd definitely be here again. So I got in touch and had him review the book. He's super nice and it was great to connect about our local terrain!

The Snoqualmie Rock guidebook is now available for pre-order. Visit www.snoqualmierock.com for more information.

Hey CC.com! I'm proud to announce the release of Snoqualmie Rock. After 5 years of research, writing, and review, this comprehensive guidebook for the I-90 corridor is finally complete. It covers well over 700 routes from Issaquah to Snoqualmie Pass at over 60 crags. You'll find it in stores this June, but you can pre-order your own copy now at www.snoqualmierock.com See you all at the crags!

I have a big Fish haul bag that I'd let go for $60. I think it's the Grade V. Old, but in good shape.

Friends climbed the full ridge 2 days ago. Snow on the slab pitch and in the notch above the Gendarme. Steep snow on the descent by the False Summit.

FYI: The North Ridge is often climbed into September, when it's iciest. Personally, I'd give it a month for things to consolidate and melt off a bit before going up there. Otherwise it's a whole lot of slogging for about a rope length of ice climbing...

If you're up to the grade, just go give it a look! I'd hate to spoil your onsight!

The pitch directly above "I Wanna Go Home" is called "Sleep or Awake" 5.10c, 7 bolts, 50 feet. The single biner is a bail biner...the route goes to the top. There is also a route further right on the headwall, "I Can Fly" 5.11c, 7 bolts. And the new book is coming very soon!

Park at Summit West, cross under the overpass, and ski down the closed Sunset Highway. 10 minutes easy downhill!

Bony. We passed on it today. Good climbing shape though!

just came back from Snoqualmie Pass. Basically everything is still in: Kiddie Cliff, Bryant Buttress, Rap Fall, Chockstone Falls, etc. No word on Franklin Falls. There is about a foot of new snow over a very stout rain crust, making travel relatively easy.

Thanks Jake. We skipped the direct approach since it didn't look like there was enough ice on it to make it go. Glad to know it worked for you!

I did this thing yesterday: http://cascadeclimbers.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/1153020/TR_Middle_Fork_Peak_3964_False#Post1153020 Too bad the warm up is coming on Monday!

Trip: Middle Fork, Peak 3964 - False Idol, WI3+, 500m (FA) Date: 1/6/2017 Trip Report: On January 6, 2017, at the end of a prolonged cold snap, I established a long waterfall ice route on the NE face of Peak 3964 in the Middle Fork of the Snoqualmie River valley with Dave Jordan. Our route climbs two tiers of ice, separated by a few rope lengths of snow covered waterice and snice. The first 200 meters is classic waterfall ice climbing, while the upper bits have more thoughtful protection akin to our local alpine climbing. All told, it is reminiscent of Guinness Gully in the Canadian Rockies. We found the route to be very worthwhile and not overly committing--given the bountiful rappel trees on both sides of the route. Peak 3964 (left) and Revelation Peak (right). The route climbs the right side of the Y-shaped clearing. False Idol The route from the approach Dave on the 90 meter WI3 second step (pitches 3-4). Parties interested in making this an alpine adventure can continue for another couple rope lengths and attain the summit. There is an easy gully on the SW side of the peak that could likely be used to skip the copious tree rappels down the route. The route is named in keeping with the biblical theme of the area. False Idol WI3+, 500m FA: Kurt Hicks, Dave Jordan 6 January, 2017 Approach map: Gear Notes: 10-14 ice screws, 2 ropes to rappel. No rock gear currently needed. Approach Notes: Park at the Middle Fork Snoqualmie trailhead. Cross the river and turn right onto the Pratt Connector Trail. Follow this downstream for about 30 minutes until at the bottom of a long set of descending stairs (near a large outcrop with a mini cave in it). Turn left off the trail and ascend steeply up a gully. Continue generally up and slightly left through open woods. Stay to the right of a decent sized flowing creek and gain some large old growth trees. We continued up a short snowy talus field before moving right onto a treed rib and up to the base of the route. If you're bushwhacking, you're blowing the approach. 1.5 hours from the car. Descent was made via rappels from trees on the climber's right side of the climb. Two ropes are recommended, though we did an endless series of single rope raps since we only brought one cord.

I'm pretty fond of travel shirts from Coolibar--lots of colors, light fabric, breathable. Lots of folks also like the Columbia one too. The OR Ensenada is very warm, too warm for daily use in my opinion.