Cascades - Mid-October - need advice

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ash-ish
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Cascades - Mid-October - need advice

Post by ash-ish »

I will be in Portland, OR from Oct 14-16. I am planning to get in a snow climb. I have listed the options below in the order of preference. I am familiar with mountain axe and crampons, but not very familiar with glacier travel skills. Please let me know if here is anything I need to look for especially around mid-October.

1. Mt. Adams – South side standard snow route.
2. Mt. Hood – South slopes/hogsback standard route.
3. Middle Sister - Collier/Hayden/Irving/Renfrew glacier.
4. Mt. Rainier – up to Camp Muir only.

Any info will be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
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Dave B
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Re: Cascades - Mid-October - need advice

Post by Dave B »

It's not a snow climb except for the summit cone, but South Sister is an awesome climb with pretty amazing views. Hood would probably be pretty ugly that time of year without too much snow.

Just be advised, the winter turns south in the PNW about late September so plan to have a plus/minus day or two to accommodate potential early season storms.
Make wilderness less accessible.
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Matt Lemke
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Re: Cascades - Mid-October - need advice

Post by Matt Lemke »

I'm a W. Washington native and can tell you that the rainy season starts October 1st...and exactly that same day every year. Be prepared for rain below 2000 feet and snow above that for most of the time.
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Brian C
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Re: Cascades - Mid-October - need advice

Post by Brian C »

Make sure to check snow conditions. I've heard horror stories of folks trying to summit Hood late in the season from bad rock/ice.
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