[What should I climb?]

Sulphide on Shuksan is not a good choice for a solo trip. For someone new to the area, climbing Sahale will provide maximum view potential...

 

Thanks, yeah, I figured Shuksan solo was a stretch. I was just awestruck by that mountain when I climbed Ruth Mt. and Tomyhoi Pk. last July. Then I read a couple of online reports of solo trips on the sulphide and thought it might be feasible.

I hiked up to cascade pass on my trip last summer, but didn't climb anything. The views of surrounding peaks were pretty obscured by forest fire smoke. Hopefully that won't be the case this year.

[Goat Rocks and Mt Curtis Gilbert]

I think Old Snowy, via the PCT, is the easiest climb in the area. The trail basically takes you to the summit. Short Class 2 scramble with great views of Adams and Rainier.

Curtis Gilbert is a better climb, though. I climbed Curtis Gilbert via Conrad Meadows in early July of last year. From what I have read, this is the easiest route to the summit. Hike about 7 miles into Surprise Lake, then head up toward Klickton Divide on the trail. I camped at a site on the left side of the trail, about a mile from the lake. I think many camp at Warm Lake, which is closer to the mountain.

Either way, you just have to find a way to gain Klickton Divide. I headed straight up from my campsite, after failing to find the route to Warm Lake, and got on the divide.

Then you just follow the divide, with awesome views of Mt. Adams, straight to Curtis Gilbert. You can see the peak most of the way. The ridge is moderate and not too hard, but requires some scrambling. There is a steep dropoff to your right as you head up. Follow a sort of climbers path behind the summit block and then find the route up. The rock is loose, but Class 3 and not too exposed. I don't think you would want to take a dog up to the summit. It is very small and exposed.

Beautiful views, and a fun climb. I didn't see a soul when I was up there.

 

Here's directions to trailhead from summitpost.org:

 

To get to Conrad Meadows, drive US-12 east from White Pass 19 miles to just short of Hause Creek Campground. Turn right on South Fork Tieton Road No.12 (check road numbers haven't change). This road heads southwestward. At 4.5 miles turn left on road No.10 and stay with it through all junctions. At 18 miles the road is gated. This is the edge of private property. Park here (elevation 3900 ft). A map of the Goat rocks wilderness is needed from here on because there are many spur trails, game trails, and livestock trails in the area (it is cattle grazing area so watch out for cowpies).

[What should I climb?]

You could take a couple days and hike into Kool Aid Lake, near Cascade Pass, and do Hurry Up and Magic via their fairly mellow southern sides. Sahale via Sahale Arm on the same trip would be fine too.

 

I hadn't considered Hurry Up and Magic, though I've read route descriptions in CAG. I imagine these climbs would be less crowded than Sahale, but offer similar views of that awesome area. When you say fairly mellow, you mean what...class 3 with some steep snow?

[What should I climb?]

That sounds like a cool trip, slothrop. Did an online search for reports on the Hinman-Daniels traverse and found a route description. Sounds like the glacier on Hinman is gone or pretty tame?

I've climbed in the National Park and Monte Cristo region, but haven't made it to the Alpine Lakes yet. Everything I read implies the area gets pretty crowded. I might do Colchuck as a day trip to avoid the permit hassle. I wanted to do it in April this year, but no snow...then no time.

[What should I climb?]

 

I'll be driving up from Portland to spend about 10-12 days in the North Cascades sometime in late July or early August (7-week break from work) to do some climbing and backpacking. I have alot of ideas, but thought I'd tap into the knowledge of CC members for advice. I'll be solo, so I'd like to avoid crevassed glaciers and anything really exposed (no 5th class or extended 4th terrain).

I've taken a couple of classes, and have been climbing for a couple of years. I've done many of the easy volcano routes (Hood hogsback, Adams, etc.) as well as about 20 Class 3/snow/easy glacier routes in the Olympics and Washington cascades.

My tentative list of possibilities includes: Mt. Maude/7-Fingered Jack; Buck/Fortress Mts.; Snowking Mt.; Black Pk.; Mt. Daniel; Cashmere Mt.; and Del Campo/Gothic Pks. I'm also wondering whether Sahale Peak and Mt. Shuksan-sulphide glacier are reasonable solo trips for someone with my experience.

Any advice on these or other climbs and how to make best use of my time up there would be appreciated.

 

Thanks