Recommendations for May in the Cascades

[JohnHemlock]

Hi,

 

I'm junking my job for a year or two to climb and would like to spend May in the NW. I haven't spent any time climbing in the Cascades so was looking for recommendations on routes. I'm fairly comfortable with long, exposed moderate stuff, climbing alpine and water ice 3/4, etc. Will be by myself but will probably try to pick up a partner here and there. I've got WFR certification and have been climbing for 10 years if anyone is interested in hooking up.

[Alpinfox]

For climbing recommendations, buy these books:

 

and

 

 

Keep in mind that based on the lack of snow we've had thus far this year (25% of normal), May this year may be more like July conditions in normal years.

 

For partners, make a post in the CLIMBING PARTNERS forum when it gets closer to May.

 

Where are you coming from?

[JohnHemlock]

Thanks! I have volume 1 and have been leafing through it for likely candidates. I live in Colorado and have never made the Cascades a high priority, as there's been plenty to do within a day's drive of here. Not interested in low angle snow slogs or crowded routes and I don't mind a multi-day approach.

[Dave_Schuldt]

We have a very thin snowpack this year so the best time to do something may not match the guide book.

[DirtyHarry]

Not too many crowds anywhere here unless you want to climb Outer Space on a Saturday in spring.

[Alex]

Outerspace + Spring == Ticks

 

<May>

Rainier good

W Ridge Forbidden good (couloir wont be melted out yet)

Ptarmigan traverse good on skis

Spearhead traverse

awesome cragging in Leavenworthless as its not too hot yet

S Face of Prussik Peak

cragging at Index

solo the Suplhide on Shuksan

</May>