obwan

Frankazoid, I almost wanna say that it seems like I should climb d-town with a local for a day or 2, and then bring my buddy out... Sounds like you are getting what MattP is trying to pass along, to keep you from having a bad day. It's a fun place but helps if you go with someone who has been there, to save all the off route issues.

Talk about some awesome D-Town "stoke"! Incredible photos and nice granite. Thanks hanman.

To bad the approach is so long to Dreamer, one needs an alpine start for a long day, but it is a cool place. I've not been to Exfoliation, but the descent/rappel sounds sketchy - Three O'clock is OK. If you have not been to Static Point, that has some good slab climbing also - especially on the Spaceport side, such as "The Curious Cube". But alas, the approach has gotten longer.

There was a past thread on this site that created the Renton Granite Hoax, and the joke still lives. The closest thing to rock climbing in Renton is the SR 900 cliff between Renton and Issaquah. Or the boldering done on the crack filled walls along Coal Creek Parkway.

Looks a bit like "Infinite Bliss"?? The secret Renton granite is more of a dome.

Awesome trip report and great photos - shows me what snow still exist up there. I'm not a skier - so the adventure was incredible, thanks for sharing.

Amigo - I have a Soloist made by Rock Exotica from the early 90's. It's a bit cumbersome as it requires the use of a chest harness to keep the rope coming out from the top. It also is used with the rope hanging on it's own weight, to feed by itself - but this only works on straight forward routes so it doesn't snag. I've led 5.9 trad with it - but one should lower their expectations, the 5.7's do feel like 5.9 depending on sport or trad. I've also used a Gri-Gri for self belay with some success, but you have to pull or feed the rope. A safer option is to use them in a top-rope scenario, with the rope tied off at the anchor and cruise up the rope. A final note - I'm sure most devices have a rope drag issue and it's not something to use that often, but is handy when no partners are around.

Thanks - you are right, I believe there were some sportage routes put up by Leland a few years ago on the north side of I-90.

Nice Bushwhack! Definitely a close encounter of the third kind!

Does anyone have any beta on crags in the Hyak area that they would be willing to share? Directions, access, route info would be helpful.

Watch out for the other hairline - they love to crawl up your pant leg. Taping the ankles does work - but also spray some Deet on your legs/pants/shoes etc. ::

I have had Dave Page do a few pair and was lucky they all turned out. If you want them done well - as stated above, send them to John Ramuta. He used to be at the family owned shoe repair at 6th & Stewart in Seattle - but he now resides in Montana. Believe me the shipping is worth it and about the same in gas prices. He is on the web at www.ramutaresoles.com - you can also find resolers in the climbing magazines, but Ramuta is the best.

Nice shot - I see you've been to the Renton granite dome.

To make sure boots don't ruin the trip, it may be best to rent some plastics/insulated boots. I've climbed it in leather, just be sure you seal and waterproof the hell out of them. Then use a merlino wool sock with plastic bags over the socks - pretty toasty, and has been mentioned before on this site where some have used bread bags (I've used the grocery store bags) .

Has something changed recently? I used to be able to add icons on my replies - any ideas?

Nothing wrong with some Neve' !

I'm confused about who is hauling away vehicles, how would one camp overnite or several days at Snow Lake? A trailhead pass should do it, what has changed?

You really struck gold - good for you all!

I agree, this season is toast - what happened to the big bad La Nina and severe winter. It all happened back east, Washington ice is very elusive and not always top-ropeable. You can try some dry tooling at the SR900 Rock or Exit 38, but in the end be prepared to travel for some good WI.

My dog Sam must have been very experienced.

Young Luke - you have made the right choice, may the force be with you! I'm sure that you will enjoy the climb, as you say from an alpine aspect - it's all there! (and better than the walk-up on Hood, which can nail you). From your abilities and experience it will probably be a cake walk as the above have stated, but it's not one you'll get hurt on. It's obvious, but just be sure to fly into Portland rather than Seattle. p.s. Always take axe and ponds to the "mountains". Check the latest road conditions before going, to save your trip.

Pretty much ditto on all of the above advice. Obviously if you go with the "Trade Route", it is very busy and has some rockfall hazard - most private parties like the Emmons. You could even do some training and day trips to both Muir and Schurman, just to see what the mountain is all about when it's crowded. Also, Mike Gauthier - a past climbing ranger tells it all; as well as covering conditioning and training in his book "Mount Rainier - A Climbing Guide". I wished I had it 25 years ago.

Looks pretty normal to me.

Try the KOA campground on HWY 20, just as you enter Winthrop. There is also a CG at Twin Lakes, not sure if they are open in the Winter.

Pretty awesome photo!