tele turnin

thanks for the info. i'll look into the above mentioned areas. we are really just looking for a spot to camp (with a campfire) and where we can easily go on a 5 mile hike that will require them to use a map/compass. a bonus would be that it is 1.5 hours give or take from yakima. they've been doing a lot of sleeping in snow caves lately so the idea is to get them out of the snow for this one.

Title says it all, I'm interested in knowing of a good camping area around Satus Pass, WA (or just Goldendale)to go camping and hiking. Quick background, I was recently asked to be a Scoutmaster and have been living in Yakima for just over a year. I haven't done a ton of hiking in the area but am looking for something that may have minimal snow this time of year and where we could go for a 5 mile hike. Being around trees is a definite plus and Satus Pass looks like the closest area that will fit the bill. So like the title says I'm looking for a decent place to camp where we could also go for around a 5 mile hike. Thanks all.

Not to be offensive, but if this is the case why not climb with others? I think that you have been asked before your reasons for wanting to solo Rainier are and I don't recall seeing a definitive answer for that. (I could be wrong, it's happened in the past). Seems like you're out to prove something and for that reason want to solo Rainier. I'm new to the board, the whole backcountry/mountaineering thing, and WA. I moved here in Aug 2010 and decided that there were a few things I really wanted to do including climbing Rainier. Did it in August in perfect conditions, full moon, good snow, easy route to the top. Could it have been done solo? Easily, and it only would have left one brown streak in my drawers due to a crevasse crossing at 13,800 that on the descent had a new ladder installed over it courtesy one of the guide companies. But the question remains, why do it alone? I wouldn't want to, not only for safety's sake but also for the enjoyment of being out there with friends. Do you normally just not climb with others, or is it just for Rainier that you don't want to go in a group or can't find one? This board seems to be a great area for people with similar interest to meet up and go on climbs together, but given your responses to others it looks like you may have burnt that bridge.

Probably the most informative story you will find on it: http://www.summitpost.org/against-all-hope-life-partnership-and-loss-on-mt-shasta/626323

I'm assuming you already have a partner NWBen. If not and you are looking shoot me a message. Haven't been on ice a ton either, but when I have it was a blast and I would like to do more of it.

Me a few others were thinking of skinning up the Muir in the near future (this weekend), but based off recent trip reports from Turns All Year it looks like the skiing up high won't be all that great. Any recommendations for skiing in the Paradise area? Somewhat new to the area, have climbed Rainier but never tried to ski in that area. Group members have necessary avy training (former ski patrollers, SAR, experience elsewhere) and gear just need some ideas on where we should set our sights. Thanks.

So I've been using an OR Mentor Shell for quite a while now and have loved it, but it has always been a little tight when things got real cold and I layered up. I'm thinking of going up a size in the same jacket but am curious to hear what other shells people recommend. I'm on a budget so I'm really limited to being able to purchase one shell. My last one saw me up Hood, Adams, St. Helens, Rainier, and a few other outings and was also what I used when skiing in the BC. Ideas? Thanks.

Here's a site with the most updated conditions from the NPS Rangers there at Rainier. http://mountrainierconditions.blogspot.com/2011/04/disappointment-cleaver-2011.html

where did they start at? we are thinking of starting at the falls above the high bridge. i think one rap there and one at metlako will be all that is needed. did they use wetsuits, or find the water warm enough to go without?

i've never been canyoneering in anything this wet, but in the past we have done our best to keep our ropes dry with drybags, being smart, etc. hauling a wet rope is no fun, those things double in weight in no time.

i really just might and am considering taking some dinky inflatable raft for the last part after the last set of falls. i just need to convince the wife that it's nothing compared to the darby ice caves in wyoming i dragged her through. maybe here in a few weeks when med-school gives me a chance.

Has anybody ever descended the watercourse of Eagle Creek starting above the high bridge? I've done my fair share of canyoneering on the Colorado Plateu (Zion, Moab, Escalante, etc.), and just want to know how feasible it would be to "canyoneer" down Eagle Creek. I've hiked the trail a few times with the wife and kid and on our last trip the water still looked a little high. I've found this beta: http://www.canyoneeringnorthwest.com/Eagle_Creek.html But would like to hear from those that have done it so I can maybe plan a trip. I'm relatively new to the area (just over a year), but have already had my fun climbing Hood a few times, skiing Adams, climbing Rainier, and feel that this is a worthy next objective. Thanks.

pm sent

how was the snow? ie: was it suncupped and mank or did it seem to corn up decently enough for some good turns?

Looks like our trip is getting pushed from mon/tues to later in the week so if anybody is up this weekend and doesn't mind it would be great to hear how it was and if conditions would be good for skiing. also where can i find compass bearings for the south side route in case we need them? thanks again all.