Mark Edmonds

Great info! Thanks everybody!

Hey everybody! I'm new to the forum and have never summited any peaks in PNW. Most of my climbing has been in Colorado under dry summer conditions. While I've done over a hundred mountains, I've never done any climbing in steep snow/ice. I'm going to be in PNW climbing for most of the month of May and was hoping to get some local advice about how it might differ from my normal climbing experience. Any help on the following would be greatly appreciated: 1. Do I need mountaineering boots for climbs like Mt. Hood / Rainer? Can I get away with something more comfortable that can support crampons? Any suggestions? 2. If I do need mountaineering boots, are there any options that would also support back country skiing? Would like to buy one set of boots that do both than two expensive sets of boots. 3. Would I likely be alright doing Mt. Hood solo and just following the crowds up? 4. Same question as #3 but Mt. Rainier? 5. Is there anything that would prevent me from just picking a random day and attempting a summit other than weather (i.e. permits needed in advance)? 6. Are there any other sites you recommend I review before getting started? Thanks for any and all help! Looking forward to exploring your neck of the woods.