Ruth Mtn./Icy Peak bivy site

[Stagger_E]

Does anyone know of a most excellent bivy site for a three day ski trip to Ruth Mountain and Icy Peak? Also, any advice for the trip or recent conditions report would be appreciated.

[To_The_Top]

I think it depends what time of the year you go. If early season Hannagen pass offers a good protected bivi, with a steep climbers trail the next day, and once up on the mountain it is clear with few crevasses to Ruth, and the traverse to Icy looks nice with only a mile between the two peaks. There is some scrambling to the summit of Icy (never done it) but looks straight forward. Then back to the pass for the next night. I have heard of it done in a day under prime conditions, the road to the trailhead if it is drivable. Nice views and a nice ski tour. Have fun! I haven't been there in early season.

TTT

[jon]

We tried skiing Ruth last year about I think in late April (do a search there should be a report) and there was still snow about a mile and a half to the trailhead. I'd check the WTA site and call the ranger station but my guess because of a high snow fall year is that the approach will be longer. Hannagan pass is very good protected bivy site with lots of places to choose from and would be a good objective for the first day. From hannagan pass there is a steep climbers trail, followed by a traverse that gets you up to the arm towards the summit of Ruth. Ruth should be fairly quick from the pass but I don't know about Icy.

[whiplash]

Bivy right on the summit of Ruth. There's plenty of room for a tent or bivy sacks. Excellent views of Shuksan and Picketts. Last bit of Icy peak is a 3rd class gully if snow free, with a nice block at the top to sling if you feel like rapping off on the way down.

[DPS]

I second whiplash. The summit of Ruth is a fine bivi site with spectacular views.

[Necronomicon]

The summit would be fine, but a more sheltered compromise between the summit and H. pass would be the treed area at the top of the climber's trail, right after the sketch traverse. It's not far from the summit, and would offer more protection if the weather shit out,IMHO.

-J

[Mike]

Bivi on the summit of Ruth if the weather is good. We bivied there on a beautiful weekend - incredible sunset and views!

[Stagger_E]

Thanks, everybody. A summit bivy is always my first choice and it's nice to have a sheltered option. Cheers!

[tread_tramp]

There is also a flat area next to a large crag just above the steep scramble down to the Ruth-Icy notch. Last August it was still snow covered. instead of going down the gully, look for a cairn off to the left, indicating a good way to get down to the notch. Spectacular views of the noth side of Shuckson.

[Lambone]

Anyone aware of the current access to the trailhead? We are considering an over night ski trip this weekend.