spineguy Posted June 13, 2006 Share Posted June 13, 2006 anyone got any suggestions for some easy alpine rock this time of year that doesn't require to heavy a snow approach (i.e. crampons/axe required). I'm in tacoma so closer is better...is the tatoosh decent this time of year?.. I've also heard the tooth, and Lundin peak is good (snoqualmie pass area). I'd appreciate any info you got. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Off_White Posted June 13, 2006 Share Posted June 13, 2006 That's a tough order, an axe is a pretty basic tool in these parts, especially early season. If not needed for the approach, it's often used on descent. I'd highly recommend the SE Buttress on Mt Washington in the Olympics (10 pitches or so, not short), but you'll want an axe right now. Go in August and you'll likely be fine without. Rock routes in the Tattosh are nothing to write home about, but its a great scrambling range with splendid views. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattp Posted June 13, 2006 Share Posted June 13, 2006 Consider a trip to Darrington. It is definitely SUB-Alpine, but there are climbs one to ten pitches long, 5.6 to 5.12. A climb of Exfoliation Dome is very much a mountain climb - in a lowland Washington kind of way. Ingalls might be a good choice. (click for larger image). You won't need an ice axe. In another month, you'll be able to get to some of the real peaks without too much snow. I second Off's comment that the rock in the Tatoosh is not known for being good. Ingalls Peak might be a good choice. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Off_White Posted June 13, 2006 Share Posted June 13, 2006 Yeah, but Ingalls is so busy, there's got to be some other alternatives. Exfoliation Dome is an excellent suggestion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattp Posted June 13, 2006 Share Posted June 13, 2006 True fact there, Off White, but there is a reason climbs like Ingalls and The Tooth are popular: they are great climbs and easy. Exfo Dome is decidedly more serious or at least a lot bigger as a rock climb though the "winter route" is only 5.6 (it is called the "winter route" because it has bushes and drippage so it is not a highly recommended summer route, though I have actually enjoyed it as a summer climb when I was looking for the easiest way up the Dome. Another good one is the W. Ridge of N. Twin Sister. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chucK Posted June 13, 2006 Share Posted June 13, 2006 Snoqualmie Pass though you will probably want an axe for a while still, but no crampons probably Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
still_climbin Posted June 13, 2006 Share Posted June 13, 2006 Try Three Fingers. North summit is best, but if you prefer scrambles the middle and south are fun. It does require an axe, but so does most everything else this time of year. Another is Mt Cruiser in the Olympics. Later in the year it doesn't have much snow on the approach. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
genepires Posted June 14, 2006 Share Posted June 14, 2006 I know it is not close but would be worth the drive for sure, the classic routes at washginton pass in july through september. Also, prime rib on goat wall is pretty good, very well protected bolts, and fairly alpine. Not a bad weekend area from tacoma. I enjoyed the improbable traverse on guye peak in sno pass. The traverse is very protectable and not as bad as it looks. Ingals peak would be an excellant choice too, as mentioned above. The farther north you go,the more good routes are available. so get used to driving. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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