thdcdiver

What is the recommended or best trail for Middle Sister? We were going to take the Obsidian trail, as I've looked up that route and it seems to have no technical difficulty. However, there are no permits available for overnight camping this upcoming weekend, so I'm wondering.. Is the Hayden Glacier route easily accessible in terms of avoiding crevasses this time of year? We have limited knowledge and roping skills. Any input would be appreciated, thanks!

Congrats! Which side of Middle Sister did you take up? Were there large crevasses to worry about? I'm new at this, but was thinking of venturing off that way this weekend.

Trip: South Sister - Climbers Trail 36 Date: 9/1/2012 Trip Report: Trip: South Sister - Climbers Trail Date: 9/1/2012 Trip Report: Been wanting to do this climb for years, and this weekend presented with perfect timing, weather and opportunity So my husband, uncle, and I headed out to summit South Sister. The trail is VERY well marked, with tons of people heading up/down. If your looking for remote, this is not your trail. Pretty much all the snow has melted, so it is definitely a summer hike at this point. Not to take away from the fierceness of the mountain, it was definitely a trek, especially if your just looking for experience. We stared out around 6:30am, which was a wise decision considering how hot it gets while you are coming down, especially on beautifully sunny days. It's a nice steady climb through the trees, and then there is a little bit of scrambling here and there, as you take the up the last 1-2 miles to the summit but definitely nothing technical at this point in the season, just bring a good pair of shoes. Took us a little over 5 hours to get to the summit, but it was beautiful on top, as well as the whole way up and down! moon was out bright when we got started out of the trees now, heading up the little lake that's formed after the snow melt, unbelievably BLUE! - also this is the last plateau before you reach the top, so I recommend taking a breather if you need it, otherwise trek on! view of Middle and North Sister, as well as Broken Top from the summit snow on the summit of South Sister Overall, just a beautiful hike on a beautiful day, would love to try it again during the spring get a feel for it with snow. So, I am thinking we will try Middle Sister next weekend, Broken Top looked awesome, but seems technical above my skill level if we were to want to summit. Any suggestions? Gear Notes: Poles - the scree sucks so it helps to have for footing, but is by no means necessary Approach Notes: Bring lots of Water! (We had excess and gave of our liters away to a group that had run out, and they looked desperate for some)

Trip: Mt Saint Helens - Monitor Ridge Date: 7/4/2012 Trip Report: So I'm a newbie at this, first time ever climbing a mountain, so this is my beginners take on the climb. Went up on July 4th, got a later start then planned. Climbers Bivouac is open, and we didn't get to the start of the trailhead until 7:30am, there is still snow on the ground from the start of the trailhead, but fairly light and patchy. You are mostly on snow the whole way up, but it was pretty firm, and easy to find your way with all the footprints, I opted to stay on the rocks for part of the climb after the treeline since I didn't have crampons, and the snow softened up just enough that my feet were sliding with each step. People in another group looked to have on some micro-spikes and were getting along just fine, and at a much faster pace, so if you've got them, bring them! On the final ascent opted to stay on the snow, (crampons might have helped, and made things easier but wasn't necessary) - since it was such a nice day, although had it been worse weather, might not have been able to do so, unless you wanted to wade up the rock/ash pile near the top - which from all accounts, looked awful! Overall got to the summit at around 1pm, we didn't traverse the last bit to the true summit as it didn't look stable, but a more experience climber might be less deterred. Views from the top was absolutely amazing and the weather couldn't have been better! We glissaded down as much as we could... All in all, took 7ish hours roundtrip, and there were plenty of people on the trail still trying to summit when we made out descent. the rock pile the final ascent view to the left towards the true summit (I think?!) last view from the summit towards Mt. Rainier It was an absolutely beautiful day!! Gear Notes: mountaineering or good quality hiking boots (crampons would have helped, especially if weather was not what it was - maybe even an ice-axe dependent on how early of a start you get, it's pretty crusty up top), and poles Approach Notes: Just to note, their were a few crevasses here and there, but they were small, and fairly well marked, just to be aware of

Thanks for all the great suggestions! I'm thinking I will try Adams next hopefully near the end of July maybe early August. I have read that South Sister is nice towards the end of the summer and early fall, so I may try that one then. Again, thanks for all the suggestions - I have a great working list now

Just summited St. Helens on the 4th. Wondering what would be a good mountain to try next and possibly when? I have mostly hiking experience, but have taken a mountaineering class, so I feel fairly comfortable with the basic uses of crampons and an ice axe, especially if the weather is right. I am in fairly decent shape, but I am a girl, and fairly short, so not sure if that plays a factor or not, but I figured I'd throw it out there. Anyways just looking for thoughts on what to try next? Thanks!

Thanks for sharing! What month did you go, I just went and it was still pretty well snow covered, plus the traverse to the true summit looked a bit iffy for my beginners experience. But hoping to go again here in the fall.