Smoots

Very cool perspective on a remote peak, thanks for sharing. On a Glacier climb last July we got to see a Navy F-18 fly over the summit and a couple more follow a few ridges away. Then about an hour later when we were on the summit they came by for another lap and flew directly overhead, it couldn't have been more than a couple of hundred feet above the summit! One flew over inverted and we were looking up, right into the cockpit and cheering and pumping our ice axes in the sky.

Hi Jake, I'm interested! I sent you a PM.

That makes three of us! I just sent you both a PM.

This post on the Cliff Mass blog gives an interesting perspective on the snowpack this year: http://cliffmass.blogspot.com/2015/01/januarys-disappearing-snowpack.html

That TR is for the Easton route on Baker, not the Emmons on Rainier that was being asked for... The climbing rangers post condition status fairly regularly here: http://mountrainierconditions.blogspot.com/

Climbing Mt. Sahale. Crossing the glacier on the way up to the summit pyramid.

Mt. Baker and the moon.

When I went up the Worm Flows route in early January I brought both, but only used the snowshoes. Conditions may be different now. I decided it was worth bringing both to prevent turning around due to unforeseen conditions.

Highlights of my first year of climbing: 1. Mt. Baker, Squak Glacier (BOEALPS BCC graduation climb) 2. Mt. Rainier, Emmons-Winthrop (after 1st attempting the DC) 3. Mt. Cashmere, standard one day 4. Mt. Thomson, East ridge (I need to learn trad next!) 5. Enchantments loop in a day with bikes left at Stuart Lake TH to make a complete human powered loop. All done with my brother, my favorite climbing partner.

Here's a similar thread that may provide some insight: http://cascadeclimbers.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/1091342/Re_GPS_Receivers

I got the Garmin 62s when it was on sale for $350 at REI this spring: http://www.rei.com/product/828798/garmin-gpsmap-62s-gps-bundle . The bundle was a good value at that price with the maps included. The 24k maps are the way to go. I didn't need a camera (the 'c' model has one) and I didn't like the idea of a touchscreen in the backcountry so I ended up with this model. Since I don't have a fancy watch, the altimeter is very useful especially on volcanoes. It's fun to download your tracks onto Google Earth when you get back and see your route as well as be able to share it with others. Battery life is great and downright amazing with lithium batteries.

FYI, registration is open now.

I'm also going up, but not until Saturday. Any beta on the new route would be appreciated.

I don't know how it would affect rope, but pure lemon oil (get it at super supplements/GNC/online) removes sap and other sticky stuff like nothing else.

I have climbed here a handful of times so far. It's a great place to get a workout on weeknights. I've seen very few climbers here and there is next to no information about it online. I'd be interested in beta as well.

There are a few small beaches that meet your requirements along Waterfront Park and Blackbird Island. Info & Pics: http://www.icicleinn.com/activities/waterfrontpark.htm Map: http://www.icicleinn.com/activities/printwaterfrontpark.htm Another place where you may find a suitable spot would be one of the first turn outs off of Hwy 2 heading West out of Leavenworth. There is a small parking lot with a beach right there. If you cross the river on an old bridge and follow the trail up the West side of the river you'll see other swimming holes, although they may not have much of a beach. Bonus: if you follow the trail to the end (about a 1hr hike w/ kids?) you can find some Native American pictographs on the rocks. Have fun!

There are nice spots to camp just below Windy Pass that get you close to Cashmere. I climbed it on Saturday as a 10hr day trip, but that could be hard for a kid. The traverse across the North face to the North ridge route that is described in this TR is the least exposed approach. Loose rock poses a bit of a hazard, so I'd recommend helmets. The West ridge route has more sustained exposure, but better rock quality. You may want to belay your kid for the final summit block scramble.