The Methow Valley, as well as it’s magnificent backyard, the North Cascades mountain range aka the Alps of America, has four very distinct seasons. Yet, there is also another type of season that greatly effects this area: The opening and closing of the North Cascades Highway.
From sun to snain and everything in between – The Patagonia Stretch Nano Storm
Jacket is one of the best jackets in my winter ski touring arsenal.
Let me just begin by coming clean, I own a lot of jackets. I mean more jackets than any one person should really ever need to own. Yet, when I was given the chance recently to test one of the new Patagonia Micro Puff jackets, I eagerly agreed.
Ski season is knocking on the door. One thing you can do before the snow flies is get your avalanche beacon ready for service. Change the batteries, update the firmware and practice, practice, practice. Here's a great AMGA/OR video on how to do the morning beacon check before heading out into the backcountry.
Route: Any route on Shuksan that tops out via the summit pyramid
Last Climbed: Last August
Short description of route: Shuksan is a beautiful summit with a "center of the universe" sort of view, with the jagged sea of the North Cascades unfurling in all directions. It also provides a unique perspective on the range, in that it is a more northern peak, with a view of the often-hidden northern glaciers of many surrounding mountains.
by Keith Rumburg
*Heads up, I’m not a doctor. The following information should be used as a guideline for preventing climbing-related injuries. For more in-depth knowledge, you should consult a professional.
I fear the sun. Really fear it. Too many sunburns as a kid. Too many sun burns in my 20s. Too many sun burns.
I’ve tried all sorts of shenanigans in the mountains to hide from the sun (I’ve even used a parasol while teaching crevasse rescue skills…it doesn’t work very well FYI).
Route name: NE Ridge of Black Peak
When you climbed it last: Last Summer
Short description of route: Beautiful hike through alpine terrain to Wing lake and bivy sites. From there, snowfields increase in steepness to the notch at base of ridge. Long, exposed and moderate climbing (usually done in mountain boots or tennies) up to one of the tallest summits around. After a few hundred feet, the descent turns into a walk off.
(Disclaimer: daisy chains should not be used in personal anchor systems)
Route: West Ridge of Forbidden
Last Climbed: Usually I guide it a few times per year
Stories of recent adventures
