August 8, 2006, Ruth Mountain

Left the Shoreline bungalow at about 6:00 AM with friend and cousin who had never climbed anything taller than Capitol Hill for the snowy white dispatches of the NCNP (although we're not sure if we ever actually stepped foot in it).  Got on the mellow valley approach around 9:00 and enjoyed the well maintained trail all the way up to the glacier (with one sketchy little detour) and encountered a very slow moving rope team who told us that the glacier was very slippery and sketchy.  This turned out not to be true, but we were careful anyway.  Reached the summit at around 3:30, took a nap and took in some awesome views of Shuksan, Icey and the Pickets then began decent.

Snow conditions were fantastic.  Lots of suncups, but none that were not easily carved through.  A few crevasses had opened up so I had to watch for those.  Skied over one crevasse without causing the bridge to collapse.  Overall it was a sweet 1000+ vf run with very consistent conditions and killer views the whole way.  Should be skiable well into September if temperatures stay low and rain doesn't wash it away.  A great trip if you don't mind the long approach.