N. Face of Shuksan

[none_dup1]

As long as everyone is thinking about summer routes, here's another one to discuss.

My wife has wanted to climb Shuksan for years, and this should be the summer. Rather than take her up the Sulfide or Fisher Chimneys (she would be bored on the Sulfide, and I've done Fisher Chimneys), I'd prefer the N. Face route. I understand from previous threads that the approach is a real bushwhack. Although some people do the route in a day, we'd probably bivi in the traditional spot below the face, then carry over and descend the White Salmon. Target time frame is mid-July.

My question is simply whether the approach is truly dreadful or just a typical Cascade grunt. Put somewhat differently, is this any place to take a lady?

Thanks,

John Sharp

[erik]

mr goodtime,

the approach is just another approach. sure there are bad sections and there are good sections, but in the end if you find the right game trails and there are some peices of flagging out there(though who knows where they end up) it is just another standard approach to the mtns. it is not long and you can plan your approach from the road. good luck and have fun.

[none_dup1]

Thanks, Erik. Luckily, Kirsten is very strong (mentally and physically) and game for almost anything, but there are a few places I've been where I wouldn't take her because of high objective danger or really ugly travel (Pickets, J'Berg, and Goode, for example). By comparison, N. Face of Shuksan sounds fine.

That said, I'd love to hear other opinions on the route.

John

[erik]

john

does she have a younger sister

 

[none_dup1]

Unfortunately, no sister. BUT she has a big, good lookin', reptile-breeding, dope smokin', tobacco chewin', beer swillin' brother who lives nearby. Anyone want his number?

[Dru]

Hey John Goodtime, the N. face of Shuksan in mid-July should be an easy day(and a half) for just about everyone not just a lady. Just walk around the vine maple patch instead of going through it. Maybe 4 hours to the bivvy from the car? We though the hardest part was surviving the half-pound burgers and pints of Rai-Near Beer at "Holy Smoke, A Tavern" afterwards.

Check out the trip report at: http://bivouac.com/mtn/TripPg.asp?rq=TripPg&TripId=33

[none_dup1]

Will do Dru. Thanks for the report. Can't wait for one of them big stanky burgers!

Johnny Be Good

[erik]

john,

i don't think dru works at the burger place. so it will probably be just a burger.

dru

erik

[rayborbon]

E-Dog you are such a lowlife. Me too hehehe

[Dru]

Even after the burgers and "beer" (urine samples?) I lost ten pounds on that one. I think that's what happens when you climb for 14 hours and only drink 2 liters of water (I'm sorry, I have no idea how many quarts that is )

You can, or could, buy a T-shirt at that tavern that says "Spotted Owls Taste Like Chicken!"