scheissami Posted July 4, 2005 Share Posted July 4, 2005 A friend of mine is visiting me and would like to climb one of the cascades. He has no mountaineering experience, but is an avid backpacker. Myself, I have very minimal experience, having only participated in some glacier travel classes (but no rescue courses). Would the south route up Mt. Adams be doable for us? Everything I've read seems to suggest it's a burly hike, but not technical. Or, would you suggest maybe another climb? Also, we'll be doing it first week of August--are crampons/ice ax necessary? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ducknut Posted July 5, 2005 Share Posted July 5, 2005 The South Slog isn't technical. You may need crampons but the boot track is usually ok without them. Depends on your level of comfort looking at a 2000 foot runout. On descent, you will be plunge stepping down this slope with the full view. Crampons will probably just ball up if its warm and make it more dangerous. I'd take an axe just so you can use it on the glissade not to mention the self arrest capabilities it gives you. If you want the simplest Cascade climb, go hike up South Sister. Nothing but a long walk and lts of dust. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin_Matlock Posted July 5, 2005 Share Posted July 5, 2005 ...or middle sister. Bachelor is also just a walkup. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
barjor Posted July 5, 2005 Share Posted July 5, 2005 Mt Adams is a good first experience as long as he is used to the outdoors Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bug Posted July 6, 2005 Share Posted July 6, 2005 Do Adams on Skiis. Get down by 1 and it will be a good cruise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sobo Posted July 6, 2005 Share Posted July 6, 2005 ...He has no mountaineering experience... Myself, I have very minimal experience... You'll be fine as long as you can follow the donkey trail and the visibility stays good. Map and compass/GPS if you have any doubts about that ability. Please, please, please do NOT decide to make the glissade from the false summit to the Lunch Counter (the 2000 ft runout that Ducknut refers to above) with your crampons on. Every year our mountain rescue group goes up there to drag someone off the mountain with a broken leg/ankle. The cause? Glissading with crampons on. Despite what people might think about the braking abilities of crampons, they are only breaking possibilities. Take them off if you're going to butt slide. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scheissami Posted July 7, 2005 Author Share Posted July 7, 2005 Thanks guys...I'm pretty stoked about the trip, though I suppose it may be sorta blase.....By the way--would roping up be overkill? I ask only because my buddy doesn't have a harness, so we'd have to get one if it's necessary. Cheers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr_Crash Posted July 7, 2005 Share Posted July 7, 2005 Roping up would be total overkill. Heck, even crampons are overkill. As mentionned by others, an ax is a good thing to steer your glissade down (lots of glissading there). drC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ricardo_Montalban Posted July 7, 2005 Share Posted July 7, 2005 waterproof boots with tread (mine are worn out and still work this time of year), axe, glissade device (trash bag, rain pants), hat...warm clothes for high winds, food/water...that's all. i 2nd bug's suggestion; without ski's/board you'll mostly be walking below lunch counter have fun! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KaskadskyjKozak Posted July 7, 2005 Share Posted July 7, 2005 Roping up would be total overkill. Heck, even crampons are overkill. Crampons are overkill if you hike up in the mid-morning or later. If you get up at 4 am or so, they are nice - less slippery. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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