Ptarmigan Ridge approach

[wishiwashigh]

Were planning to come in from Isput. Just wondering what the trail conditions are like. I did Liberty from Isput last year so I know the road to the campground is closed. I also know the trail from the campground is a mess. But what about the trail to spray park??? I'm not sure how it held up through all the flooding. Any insight or suggestions would be awesome!

 

-Nick

Edited April 2, 2009 by wishiwashigh

[DPS]

When are you planning on going? I think the smartest approach (I have done it a couple of different ways) is to wait until White River Campground opens and hike in over St Elmo's Pass, down onto the carbon and up onto the lower flanks of Ptarmigan Ridge. This way you can descend the Emmons and back to the car. White River road typically opens Memorial Day week end. I know for a fact the HWY 410 has already been plowed and the Sunrise road graded to the White River ranger station.

 

The road to Mowich typically does not open until late in the season, adding a couple hours to the approach via Spray Park (it took us 12 hours of hard hiking from the gate at Paul Peak trail head to the 10k camp). Going in via Spray Park necessitates leaving a second car at White River or Paradise or a long, tiring hike back around the mt, or a descent of Ptarmigan Ridge.

 

Have not doen Ipsut, but I understand the road is closed at some point, as you mentioned.

 

 

[wishiwashigh]

Thanks for the beta Dan.

 

We arrive in Seattle on May 9th. I think the road to WR opens on the 20th of May. How many miles is it from the closure to WR campground? I think another trip to the pawn shop to pick up some bikes might be in order.

 

-Nick

[rob]

Be careful when walking that road. I think there may still be puddles left from my tears.

[DPS]

Thanks for the beta Dan.

 

How many miles is it from the closure to WR campground?

-Nick

 

12 hateful miles. When they open up HWY 410 it is only 6 hateful miles.

Edited April 2, 2009 by danielpatricksmith