Trip: Rabbit Ears - north
Date: 5/30/2010
Trip Report:
Finally made a Spring ascent of Rabbit Ears next to Table Mountain with two friends today.
Descent weather was just the ticket to the top of the 'ears'.
In fact, we ascended BOTH of the ears today. The Gorge Classic Climbs guide (portlandrockclimbs.com) is a great help for good directions approaching the site so get it if you have not already. Walked from the end of the paved road along the slough north along an old logging road to Carpenter Marsh in fast time. Junctioned with the PCT trail, then blasted east through forested slopes to the infamous steep ravine and up it to a saddle and roped up.
The rock was mostly dry even though the forest brush below was very wet from rain yesterday.
An 80' lead on low angle chossy rock to a stance, then an easy traverse 40' south along a rotten ramp.
Up more low angle 60' moss and pebble terrain (used one piece, a hex, on this) past a wierd crux, and up to the notch. A short jaunt up the east ear to its summit, and since the weather was still ok we climbed the west ear. Both ears are about the same in difficulty...a full meal tour.
Rapped east from the saddle for a direct exit to an old road that aims back to the marsh.
The bugs and flies were so thick we got plenty of protein.
If you are into odd chossy Gorge climbing the Ears is a teaser.
Gear Notes:
one hex and a half dozen runners
