| Steep
Snow & Ice |
| About
1000 feet of the climb up from Hidden Valley runs along a steep
section of rugged talus and ice which forms the drainage of Cascade
Gulch. In spring with consolidated snow, crampons and ice axe are
required to ascend this pitch. In summer you may be able to laboriously
pick your way over frequently unstable talus blocks and scree, or
by climbing along the very margin between the frozen ice and rock.
Stay to the left as you climb the Gulch which will eventually open
into a wider valley composed of finer scree leading up to Shastina
Saddle. When climbing without snow cover this pitch is a daunting
energy burner with each step sinking into soft volcanic scree. |
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