Darrington

[mountainmatt]

I am interested in heading up to Darrington, however I am not sure what the conditions would be like at this time of year. I assume lots of snow on the approach, but will the rock be dry?

 

I also heard a rumor that there were some access issues?

[catbirdseat]

I will depend on where you go. The rock will be mostly snow free by now. Expect snow on the approach. Three O'Clock Rock is probably your best bet at this point. You might not be able to get to the Granite Sidewalk on Exfoliation Dome without hiking part of the road.

 

Let us know what you find up there. I was planning on going soon.

 

See this thread.

Edited May 2, 2006 by catbirdseat

[mattp]

Bring an ice axe to chop steps to the bottom of climbs at 3:00 rock. There may be some where you don't need it, but on others you will want it for sure. I haven't been up there so I can't tell you which ones but generally the routes under the Great Arch are less prone to this issue than some of the others.

 

There is probably not anything big still threatening the Granite Sidewalk, but I'd drive a half mile past the 3:00 rock (Eightmile Creek) trailhead and scope it before going up there. If there are large blocks of snow sitting up above, and if it is a warm day, do not head up the sidewalk!

[catbirdseat]

Bring an ice axe to chop steps to the bottom of climbs at 3:00 rock. There may be some where you don't need it, but on others you will want it for sure.

Just think. You'll be like those old school Swiss guides. It'll be so cool.

[mountainmatt]

I was hoping to head up to Exfoliation Dome. How much "hiking the road" do you think there would be?

 

Can't wait to chop steps

[mattp]

You can drive to the first wash, for sure. You may have to hoof it 1/3 a mile from there to the normal parking spot. Here's Paul Klenke's picture from two weeks ago:

[mountainmatt]

Cool, thanks for the pic Looks like a great climb!

 

Looks like I will try to head up there as long as the forecast is good (little sketchy right now)