Vancouver area this weekend

[bebopego]

Going to be up in Vancouver for an extended weekend and I'd love to get out and do some climbing. Squamish (if the weather holds out) looks enticing, but other than that I'm open to anything; also, it'll be my first time in BC, so I wouldn't really know where to suggest. I have zero trad / multi-pitch experience, but I'd very much like to learn...bouldering and sport climbing are fair game, too. I'm also down to do a summit climb in the northern Cascades or elsewhere, if there are any routes in decent condition.

 

Taking the BoltBus from Portland Thursday (15th) morning, and then leaving from Vancouver next Monday (19th) afternoon. I'm free to go adventure and climb every minute between, so even a few hours' drive isn't bad (willing to split gas, as I won't have a car). Send me a PM if you're free at all, or if you have any suggestions.

[matt_warfield]

Squamish and Washington west side rock climbing areas are notorious for having bad weather and lots of wet on rock climbs this time of year as you should know being from Portland, unless you get really lucky. Think about winter conditions and alpine.

 

I'm sure you will get more opinions.

Edited November 12, 2012 by matt_warfield

[bebopego]

I'm totally down for an alpine climb if anyone is interested, or even just a few days hiking in the backcountry. Basically I have 3 free days and I want to get out and adventure.

 

If all else fails, I'm probably going to go explore the North Shore mountains. Certainly not opposed to backpacking in that area, any ideas on a good 2- or 3-day hike/traverse? Ice axe/crampons necessary for such an excursion this time of year?

[bstach]

Bring skis.

 

http://www.theprovince.com/sports/keeners+queue+Grouse+gondola+snow+season+opens+with+gallery/7543738/story.html

 

[bebopego]

Ah, thanks for that. I was looking at hiking the Baden Powell Trail on Friday and Saturday (preparing for cold, wet conditions); is there a significant amount of snow throughout the North Shore range, or just higher altitudes? It looked like a solid two-day hike, but I'd rather know what to bring with before I make any decisions.

 

Still up for joining someone else with weekend ambitions, I'll be in Vancouver on Thursday and can fit anything in as long as I have even a few hours' notice.

[Alan Trick]

I haven't been on the Baden Powell trail before, and I'm not sure what the exact conditions are in the North Shore mountains, but I would bring crampons and snowshoes. I've heard that some portions of the trail are pretty steep and if it gets frequented by hikers you could have packed, slippery snow.

 

I would expect conditions something like this: a raining mudfest at low elevations and about knee/waist deep snow above 1500m.