JamesT

I enjoyed reading about your trip -- thanks. Yeah, I pretty much knew the answer to this one, but it is tempting nonetheless. I'll probably find another climb or hike in the area. Thanks again

I understand that mid-October is not a good time of the year to climb Mt. Hood because of a lack of snow cover, increased rock fall, and potentially a lack of a safe route around its bergshrund. Nevertheless, I’m considering climbing Hood’s south face via the Hogback and through the Pearly Gates, weather permitting. And, I might climb solo. I have intermediate mountaineering skills (e.g., snow camping experience, two mountaineering courses with AAI in Bellingham, summited Baker, Icy Peak, Matterhorn, and this summer I climbed Rainier’s DC route unguided, etc.) I’ll be coming from the east coast to Portland for work, so I’m looking to extend my stay to climb. However, I do not want to jeopardize unduly others or myself by climbing Hood this time of year, if considered unwise. What are your thoughts?

My friend and I are looking for one or possibly two climbers to join our rope team or to form a second rope team for a trip up the DC route (although we're open to taking other routes from Camp Muir) beginning on Sun., July 6. We're in our mid-30s, fit, and have intermediate glacier and crevasse rescue experience. We've climbed Hood, Baker, and will be climbing Shuksan next week as well as winter camping experience. Have the necessary equipment.