mvs Posted October 6, 2003 Share Posted October 6, 2003 (edited) Saturday Der Wanderer and I hiked up the Goodell Creek/Terror Basin route. We camped in the flat moraine basin at 5700 feet. We climbed the West Ridge route Sunday, and returned to the car just before dark. The entire route was easy to follow - even the steepest, brushiest parts of the ascent from Goodell Creek were not difficult. I failed to bring enough water from the car, so travelled in a haze of thirst until finding a seep just before camp. The glacier is mostly a snowfield, so our decision not to bring a rope worked out fine. Crampons were an asset. On the hike out I was so amazed by the beauty of the alp slopes we traversed - red and green heather, incredibly picturesque outcrops with stone gardens and bansai-like trees. (thx for the spelling correction "catbirdseat"!) All in a mysterious slanted fall afternoon light. Anyway, highly recommended! Edited October 6, 2003 by mvs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catbirdseat Posted October 6, 2003 Share Posted October 6, 2003 mvs said: Saturday Der Wanderer and I hiked up the Goodell Creek/Terror Basin route. We camped in the flat moraine basin at 5700 feet. We climbed the West Ridge route Sunday, and returned to the car just before dark. The entire route was easy to follow - even the steepest, brushiest parts of the ascent from Goodell Creek were not difficult. I failed to bring enough water from the car, so travelled in a haze of thirst until finding a seep just before camp. The glacier is mostly a snowfield, so our decision not to bring a rope worked out fine. Crampons were an asset. On the hike out I was so amazed by the beauty of the alp slopes we traversed - red and green heather, incredibly picturesque outcrops with stone gardens and banzai-like trees. All in a mysterious slanted fall afternoon light. Anyway, highly recommended! You mean bonsai. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dkemp Posted October 6, 2003 Share Posted October 6, 2003 Nice - congrats on your summit! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Juan Posted October 6, 2003 Share Posted October 6, 2003 Nice job Michael. I would love to do it this time of year. Did it in July 1987. What do you think it would be like in the winter if it was another low snow year? John Sharp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mvs Posted October 7, 2003 Author Share Posted October 7, 2003 I guess Colin and Marko have the educated answer to that question! Uneducated guesses below: I think it would be a sufferfest in winter. The road and part of the steep trail up would be snow-free/easy. But then you'd probably lose the trail as it begins traversing north in steep forest. What if you go too far or not far enough when you hit 5000 feet? I think there would be some troublesome cliffs in that case. Then, you have a loong traverse across snow slopes to get to the normal camp. I think the climbing route itself would be fun and easy. Of course, having made one visit to the Pickets to tick the introductory route, I'm very qualified to speculate! Maybe somebody else will get on this thread with more info. What about Stetattle Ridge in the winter? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
highclimb Posted October 9, 2003 Share Posted October 9, 2003 (edited) John and Michael, talking to colin and looking at his slides of the approach (under the perfect conditions he had) seemed fairly strait forward. it took them i think under 5 hours (colin correct me if i am wrong). you would bring snowshoes so carrying them on the snowless trail would not be too much of a weight problem. and it doesnt matter about losing the trail after you encounter snow becuase you make your own anyway. so it would makes things easier in winter with the brush covered. just bring a map and compass i guess. and call colin for specific beta . i was thinking about how fun that route would be in the winter. great views. my 2 cents of info. Aidan Edited October 9, 2003 by highclimb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Der_Wanderer Posted October 12, 2003 Share Posted October 12, 2003 If you were really confident about excellent snow conditions you could try ascending Terror Creek. The route would then at least be straightforward, but man, that long under hanging snow? Anyway, just a thought. OK, Aidan...we'll be keeping our eye out for a good winter weekend! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marko Posted October 12, 2003 Share Posted October 12, 2003 mvs, Actually that was Forrest and not me on Inspiration last winter. Sounded like they had a blast, the bastards! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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