Cathedral Ridge Route on Mt. Hood?

[Ryan Canfield]

Does anyone have any info on the Cathedral Ridge Route on Mt. Hood? As to the approach, route description, pictures, etc...? I can't find any information on it anywhere. Thanks!

[ivan]

looks liek a ho-hum rte - access is a pain it looks like and the top part, which is accessed by a number of other cool routes, looks to be the best part anyhow...

[Water]

here is a TR from last year:

http://cascadeclimbers.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/902472/Searchpage/1/Main/69375/Words/Cathedral+/Search/true/TR_Mt_Hood_Cathedral_Ridge_6_8#Post902472

 

the approach is going to be hell until you can just drive to Top Spur TH..which will be a while still, even with low snow pack. though if you can just get to the top of lolo pass that would probably be sufficient as it would add maybe 2-3 miles max following PCT general direction and about 1000ft extra gain from lolo to the topspur/mcneil/PCT trail junction.

 

cooper spur is a fun non-southside route without a bfe approach

 

 

[Ryan Canfield]

great info. thanks a lot!

[Sanchez]

Does anyone know if they are going to open the road to Cloud Cap this year? Last year it was closed for fire restoration (I think that was the excuse). I don't mind them keeping it closed actually because it keeps the traffic down on that side of the mountain, but I sure do miss it come early fall when it's ice-time.

[ivan]

the road opened last fall as i recall, though i didn't go up it - think it was not yet in its former shape at the time but still didn't require a rough n' tough 4-wheeler to do it - i'd bet it'll be open by july this year

[Water]

the road did open last fall.

here is the link discussing it. sounds like it was fine, one person cried about it, and by the end of the fall they had done a lot of repair and improved it a whole lot.

 

http://cascadeclimbers.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/ubb/showflat/Number/913073/Searchpage/1/Main/70109/Words/cloud+cap+muffler/Search/true/Re_Cloud_Cap_Road#Post913073

[JohnGo]

Hi Ryan,

 

That was my Trip Report referenced above, so I will chime in here.

 

An early season approach (aka snow covered, like now) is very feasable. Oregon High calls it the "early season variation". Basically proceed as to climb Sandy Headwall, then cut up the path of least resistance to Cathedral Ridge proper. I suggest camping at Illumination Saddle, or a very early start, or be super fit. I also suggest going around the bottom toe of Yocum Ridge at around 8,200 feet; while you lose a few hundred feet of elevation, it's faster and safer then a higher crossing of the ridge. If you start at Ill. Saddle, 2 people, fit and competent, I'd say give it 6-7 hours from camp to summit.

 

and Ivan, I feel compelled to say this, please refrain from commenting on routes you've never been on.

 

-John

http://cascadeclimbers.com/plab/showphoto.php?photo=56748&cat=500&ppuser=7651

Edited April 22, 2010 by JohnGo

[ivan]

and Ivan, I feel compelled to say this, please refrain from commenting on routes you've never been on.

 

-

i think i was clear enough i hadn't climbed it! i hope the aggrieved ridge won't be unduly offended

 

i recall your tr for it was cool ...

[Karl_S]

A fun route if you are in for at least two days is to start from Lolo Pass (Rd) on NW side of Mt Hood where the PCT crosses the road. I've put a couple of trip reports with pics at:

http://stums.org/karl/Climbs-and-Hikes/Mt-Hood-Cathedral-Ridge-2007/index.html

You need to call the ZigZag ranger station to find out if the road to Lolo Pass is open, yet. Send me an email if you want a topo map with way points.

Karl Stum kstum@summitbe.com