Whatcom Pass to Perfect Pass

[Toast]

Anybody done it? We came in via Easy Ridge four years ago. We bypassed the Imperfect Impasse given packs and sketch factor. If you were to compare and contrast, what are the slabs beneath Whatcom Peak like, difficulty, length, exposure...?

[DonnV]

I've never done the traverse around Whatcom Peak, but have twice gone up over the summit and down to Perfect Pass. The traverse route always looked too risky when we were there. The route up to the top of Whatcom is exposed in places near the top, and loose and chossy at times, but only 3rd class and relatively safe. Definitely no ice blocks perched over your head. I highly recommend it. You can relax and enjoy the summit of Whatcom (great views), since it is literally about a 10-minute run down easy snow slopes to Perfect Pass. However you go in, have a great time. Magical place.

[wayne]

The easiest way to perfect pass is over the summit of Whatcom, Unless you have the I Impass down.

[Alex]

When I did it I just traversed around Whatcom in about 2.5 hours from Whatcom Pass. But that was a high snow year.