JasonG

Good point about signage....even if it is in the park, they need to sign it. Good luck, and please post back with the outcome.

Given how frequently it normally snows around here in the winter, I would suspect that the system is easily exploited by contractors unless folks speak up (contractors could bill for every storm, but only plow every other, etc.). I find it hard to believe that Dan could have visited a Snopark all winter and NEVER found it plowed if the system wasn't totally screwed up. "Um, I plowed that lot at least 10 times this past winter....please pay the attached invoice" It is unlikely that the state is verifying every bill that comes in for plowing. Sounds like they are relying on complaints to tell them when things aren't getting plowed. I think the OP's call to report unplowed Snoparks is right on the money.

I was joking with a friend years ago about "sport aiding", where the difficulty scale is dependent on the distance between stick clips. I think you may have invented just the right tool, though if you go any longer you may want to mount a scope on that bad boy. We started the conversation after aiding (in the rain) a particularly well bolted (and overhanging) climb at Skaha that was well beyond our leading ability.

The head ranger has an opinion/interpretation of the law like the rest of us. When it comes to gray areas, the "truth" lies in the court's interpretation of the legislation. Of course, if the pullout is state park land, which it appears to be, then the legislation is pretty clear that you need a pass.

You have to zoom way in before the parcel lines show up. . . . If you click on the parcel with the pullout, it lists "State of Washington" (aka state parks). If you try and click on the ROW on either side of it, it doesn't hyperlink, which is typical in my experience for highway ROWs (at least on SnoCo's website). I don't know why.

Actually, if it is the pullout just west of the rock, the parcel map makes it look like it IS part of the park. At least according to the link I posted above....

I think the state parks map is misleading. Look here to see a more detailed view, including parcel lines. Much of the 14 ROW appears to be controlled by WSDOT and not state parks. There are some irregularities though, and it looks like state parks does control some of the highway. I am not sure if this is an official parcel map though. I found the page linked to the Skamania County Assessor's site.

I just hope to see a video of 10 fuel canisters leveling a campfire, sending a plume of embers 100 meters into the sky. Preferably set to a good dancehall tune. But maybe the tent pole will be used as an antennae for a remote detonator?

I think it hinges on whether or not the pullout is in the park, though. If it is outside the park, you would be accessing the park via foot/bike and wouldn't need a vehicle pass, correct?

Please fight it. I would bet that the state highway ROW is not part of the park. The parcel layer could tell you for sure, I don't know if Skamania couny is online with theirs or not. This could save you time in the long run if you check it out. As Ivan said, if it is WSDOT property and not state parks (likely) then you are in the clear and should prevail in court. And, whatever you do, don't ignore it.

Brawndo....It's got what climber's crave!! I had two liters along with me on the climb. Funny you should mention it, Scott was telling us he thought Brawndo would be in good shape right now.

picture? How old? I may be interested...

Fun looking route, I will have to add it to the list!

Trip: Mount Harvey - North Face Ramp Date: 12/12/2011 Trip Report: After DCC's excellent heads up, I don't need to tell people that this is in quite good shape right now. I had last been on it 5 years ago in much snowier conditions, and there wasn't much climbing involved (though still fun). What a difference lean conditions make- certainly some climbing involved now, and it is quite fun. One that deserves a repeat every year, if only for the views. Take a look: The ramp is obvious: Trent: Howe Sound: Dramatic scenery en route: Fun, rambly ice: Harvey's Pup! The scenic summit ridge: The Lions and lowlands from the summit: Howe Sound wide view: Descending the SW ridge: Trent and Sepultura are that Extreme! Gear Notes: stubby screws, couple of pickets, nuts, second tool. Approach Notes: McLane's guide has an excellent description to the base. Follow the hiker path down the SW ridge.

Filmed locally in Darrington, but finding a copy may be hard. I haven't actually seen it, but it looks to give Vertical Limit a run for its money.

For a mostly trail ascent to a spectacular viewpoint, I would put a plug in for Ruth Mtn. Very easy glacier travel, to the point where most don't bring a rope. You will want an ice axe, however. Medium day. For something that you probably won't even need an ice axe for by August, how about Crater Mtn.? The old LO site is accessed via a trail that gains 6200'. Some scrambling near the top. Long day. 2nd the Black Peak suggestion. Also, for a good scramble near Easy Pass, try Kitling Peak (~8000'). You won't find that name on any USGS map, and will need to get the Green Beckey book. As a matter of fact, you should probably pick up the green and red Beckey books and look at them this winter before going out. Here is a good mapping site where you can turn on topos, satellite photos, etc.: http://www.mappingsupport.com/p/gmap4.php?ll=41.310824,-102.041016&z=4&t=m And lastly, you can probably get the views you are looking for without ever leaving a trail. Try: Sourdough, Sahale Glacier Camp, Hidden Lake Peak, Hannegan Peak, Mt. Pugh, etc., etc. Pick up some used copies of the 100 hikes series (north cascades, glacier peak region) by Harvey Manning and you are well on your way. Have fun, just don't show anyone back east your pictures upon your return!

Here, here! I have really enjoyed climbing the fruits of your labor, Chris. Many thanks!

Wow, that is an impressive solo!

Did you go? The only beta I have is look climber's right at the waterfall. A great winter scramble!!

Cool! Hood is in pretty good nick right now, eh?

I just checked on my machine. Picasa will rotate .mov files just fine.

I think you can rotate videos in Picasa, also free.

The parts that would have taken pickets didn't seem that steep or sketchy so we pretty much just climbed without pounding pickets. We were hoping to simul-solo most of it, but the water ice had us keeping the rope on.

Thanks everyone! Here are a few answers: -5 screws -Canon T1i -OK solo if you are solid on WI, though beware of falling debris. Easy glacier travel right now.

Trip: Mt. Hood - Reid Headwall Date: 12/5/2011 Trip Report: There are enough TRs on this route in the database, so I don't need to bore you with the minor details. What folks do need to know, however, is that the route is in stellar shape right now! Trent and Mr. Sepultura rendezvous at my house on Sunday afternoon and we make a leisurely trip south to Timberline in Trent's trusty Vanagon, Speedy. The wind was pretty strong upon our arrival and we endured a fitful sleep in the van, hoping things would calm down. Serenaded by yahoos honking horns and spinning donuts in the overflow lot, we didn't get a lot of sleep and the 2am alarm was a bit of a shock. We got hiking about 3, and it was cold, though not horribly windy anymore. We reached the saddle a little before six in the dark, and were pretty excited to find Adam's cave. This meant we could chill out of the wind, eat some food and gear up for the long day ahead. Emerging from the cave, we dropped to the Reid and traversed over to the start of Leuthold's. A few years back, I had climbed the Reid variation that ends up on the West Crater Rim, and wanted to go for the longer variation that tops out on the summit ridge. From the base of Leuthold's we went up and slightly right to gain a gully, then mostly went left when presented with options. There was a lot of ice, water ice, and we probably could have left the pickets and brought a few more screws. Weaving through rime towers, it was spectacular climbing that went on and on! We topped out on the summit ridge a little before noon and enjoyed the new found warmth and strange lack of wind. Glorious! We followed the tracks from the weekend down, going a bit west of the regular route (I think). Strangely enough, we had not come across another party on the entire mountain! A short ski back from the top of the Palmer lift finished the day, and we began the long trek back north. We stopped in Kalama for dinner and were treated to quite a show by the local drunks. Playa Azul!! Good times! Gear Notes: Skis to the top of the lifts, screws, 60m half rope, second tool, helmet!