Field Notes
Trip Reports
Conditions, decisions, and the gear that held up — from the trail, the rock, and the snow.
Mount Shasta — Avalanche Gulch
A strenuous and exciting alpine climb on the southernmost Cascade volcano. Memorial Day weekend spent right — seven of us, a 1am start, and the summit register at 0545 as the sun broke over a full cloud inversion.
Mount Baker — Mountaineering School
Five days on the Great White Watcher with Northwest Alpine Guides. Glacier school, a socked in summit via the Easton Glacier, and a blustery snowstorm that showed us what we could handle. The trip that lit the fuse for the Big 5.
Mailbox Peak
A North Bend classic and a notorious leg-burner. First time up, with perfect Stella along for the climb, snow near the top, wild summit wind, and the infamous mailbox waiting at the end.
Yellow Aster Butte
A beautiful early-season favorite in the North Cascades. Steep up front, but the payoff is alpine tarns, huckleberries, and big views once the smoke clears.