[TR] Mt. Hood- South Side - Hogsback Route 6/25/2005

[Paul_Reststep]

Climb: Mt. Hood-South Side - Hogsback Route

 

Date of Climb: 6/25/2005

 

Trip Report:

On Saturday (6/25/2005), our small team ascended Mount Hood to Crater Rock.

 

The Route. We climbed part of the "Hogsback" route located on Mount Hood's south side. From Timberline Lodge (5,800 feet) we ascended beyond the groomed ski slopes, carefully staying east of the groomed areas. Climbing above the ski lifts, we continued past Illumination Rock (9,543 feet) to the uphill side of Crater Rock (also the bottom of the Hogsback 10,600 feet). After recuperating on the sun-drenched, icy hogsback, when we could endure the sulfurous fumarole's odors no longer, we took one last look at Crater Rock, turned around, and descended back to Timberline Lodge.

 

Initially, instead of turning around, we had planned to continue climbing up the Hogsback to gain access to the summit through the Pearly Gates. The Hogsback however was crowded with climbing parties attempting to negotiate the prominent Bergschrund, forcing us to wait for a safe climbing window - alas we could wait no longer, deciding to descend before the warming sun presented significant rock fall hazards.

 

The Weather. It was beautiful climbing weather, with clear skies in the morning, becoming sun-drenched upon arrival at Crater Rock, and remaining sunny for the entire descent.

 

The pictures below and in my gallery begin with a view of the valley and ski lift below the climber's route, then follow the climbing route up, with views of Illumination Rock, Crater rock, a fumerole, the Pearly gates, and the Steel Cliffs.

 

Morning_on_Mt_Hood_Looking_South_at_Ski_Lift_and_Valley_Below

 

Mount_Hood_Casts_A_Giant_Pyramidal_Shadow_On_Clouds

 

Illumination_Rock

 

Climbing_Toward_Pearly_Gates

 

Fumerole_Venting_Up_One_Side_of_Crater_Rock

 

Steel_Cliffs

 

Paul_On_Hogsback_-_Pearly_Gates_At_Top_Of_Picture

 

Gear Notes:

Crampons for climbing on & above Triangle Moraine;

 

Approach Notes:

NA

Edited July 2, 2005 by Paul_Reststep

[Divot]

Great TR man....Nice Pics, and you made it back home...Sounds like a decent day.