July 12, 2008, Squak Glacier, Mt. Baker
7/12/08
WA Cascades West Slopes North (Mt Baker)
2517
2
Cody, Rafe and I drove up on Friday night and stayed at the mostly melted out trailhead. Awoke at 430 and started hiking at 5.
Had to hike the Scott Paul trail for quite awhile until we lost it and then headed due North until out of the trees.
Arrived at Crag View and roped up.
Once we got to about 8200' I bailed off the rope and decided to ski down while they clammered on.
The route went under Sherman and then joined the Easton route. I did not like the traverse line to meet up with the Easton route, so I got some nice turns by myself down to Crag View (6500').
Sat and waited for about 4 hours. Only saw one other team of 2 that skied down and chatted for a few minutes. Built a cairn, talked to the birds, took some pics, dried out my clothes and gear. Then sat and waited........for a long time.
They finally made their way down and we made our descent from Crag View around 330. We decided to ski down as far as possible, but then were unable to pick up the trail. Had to go cross country and up and over a few steep creek valleys and thick forest with plenty of veggie belays. Finally found ourselves traveling the right direction towards the righ trailhead elevation. AT about 400' above the trailhead we landed the trail and made our way down.
I did happen to forget my white Mammut pullover that I left only a few minutes up the Scott Paul trail on the side of the trail if anyone finds it.
Had to hike the Scott Paul trail for quite awhile until we lost it and then headed due North until out of the trees.
Arrived at Crag View and roped up.
Once we got to about 8200' I bailed off the rope and decided to ski down while they clammered on.
The route went under Sherman and then joined the Easton route. I did not like the traverse line to meet up with the Easton route, so I got some nice turns by myself down to Crag View (6500').
Sat and waited for about 4 hours. Only saw one other team of 2 that skied down and chatted for a few minutes. Built a cairn, talked to the birds, took some pics, dried out my clothes and gear. Then sat and waited........for a long time.
They finally made their way down and we made our descent from Crag View around 330. We decided to ski down as far as possible, but then were unable to pick up the trail. Had to go cross country and up and over a few steep creek valleys and thick forest with plenty of veggie belays. Finally found ourselves traveling the right direction towards the righ trailhead elevation. AT about 400' above the trailhead we landed the trail and made our way down.
I did happen to forget my white Mammut pullover that I left only a few minutes up the Scott Paul trail on the side of the trail if anyone finds it.
Looks like you guys had some great views!
As Scotteryx said, we passed Sherman Peak and linked up with the Easton route. We only encountered one questionable snow bridge that warranted a belay.
Left the skis at the base or the Roman Wall. Seeing as how this was such a moderate ski down, I plan on skiing the Roman Wall next time.
Left the skis at the base or the Roman Wall. Seeing as how this was such a moderate ski down, I plan on skiing the Roman Wall next time.
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