Did this 45 years ago. Exited via Bachelor creek. Planned to climb Dome Peak but I sprained my thumb. We had run out of food due to rainy days at Cache Col and Yang Yang Lakes. White Rock lakes were spectacular. 5 nights. Pre Gortex, All Trails, GPS, phones, etc. Relied on Becky’s Guide, USGS maps, compass, barometric altimeter, and dead reckoning.
Just when I thought a TH-cam climbing/hiking film couldn't get any better. This just might be the gold standard for TH-cam films. Also, thanks for talking about your experience without any lame musical content.
Thank You. So much inspiration went into this trip that I wanted to do the traverse what justice I could with my camera. Glad you enjoyed watching as much as I enjoyed creating. Take care.
I've seen numerous videos on the Ptarmigan Traverse you really took your time and provided the love of detail that makes this one I think the best video on it. Well done
Thank You. I just wanted to do a good job capturing this one. It is always on my mind that I might not get a second chance to return to these places in the future and this could be the one shot I get. I love the Glacier Peak Wilderness and wanted to portray that love and respect through this production. Take care and happy ventures!
Alejandro the Spaniard! It was a pleasure meeting you. Glad you got to come see the Cascades first hand. Hope your trip up Sahale Arm was all you imagined it would be.
@@aaronfulwider779 It was awesowe. The way to Sahale Glacier saw many marmots, mountain goats and one black bear. The best hike in our two weeks holydays in Northern Washington. Now preparing the following one in Glacier National Park.
Another great hike video. Your story telling is getting so much better it makes for a entertaining video. The hiked looked rough... but thats one of the best parts. I am glad all worked out. Thanks for sharing!
Thank You Tom. The challenge to create this video forced me to choose my shots wisely. Glad you like it. Beyond the physical challenges the trip was mentally tough. It is sometimes easy to talk ourselves out of things. In hindsight we should have just parked my car at the traditional exit from the traverse, that way we could have more easily gone over the Dana Glacier from White Rock Lakes. I will have to continue the story over Dome Peak in another adventure. It can be done.
Yup, that looked about right for S. Cascade River valley. Went in that way 20 years ago and UGGGG took all day to get to the lake and I was in VERY good shape back then and only reason it was possible were all the orange flags and even then portions of trail were simply gone. The reward was great though. =-)
Pretty much has not changed. It was one of the toughest legs of the journey. So many places we could have gotten lost if it was not for All Trails and the markers. How do those glaciologists get up the observatory? They must be in very good shape or get helicoptered in.
@@aaronfulwider779 Helicopter is how. They have used a Helo for decades. PS: The hut, has an outhouse bathroom that is always open and the Hut has a library in it along with lots of bunk beds if you wish to crash and read.
Great video. As you discovered, mid-route exits from this traverse can be problematic. Among the potential difficulties that should be considered when planning this formidable adventure. There was a time many years ago when the South Fork Cascade Trail got regular maintenance, but that was another era.
Thank You. You can see all the peaks of the Traverse by hiking up Sahale Arm in North Cascades National Park. Lots of incredible views for not that much work.
Your video is especially helpful in thinking about tackling the traverse this summer. Lots of insightful detail and fun too. We attempted this on July 16 of last year and were "rained out." At least two other groups turned back that day. Incidentally, it was the last rainy day for at least the next several weeks. Having the extra three miles at the beginning was a blessing in disguise because it was much easier to retreat from Cache Col glacier rather than from Kook Aid Lake.
Thank You. Hopefully you will find more success this summer. I found that once on the traverse it was straight forward, it is the bail outs that suck. There is no easy way off the traverse, even the traditional exit has tails of bushwhacking adventure and long road walks. Technically, we still need to go back and finish the traverse past White Rock Lake. Wishing you the best of luck this summer.
@@aaronfulwider779 Honestly, don't bother. Cub lake/Bachelor creek are a PITA. Your original plan to go out Gap by Gunsight pass, Garden pass, cloudy pass, Spider pass is truly wonderful though. Very rough terrain though as zero boots paths till cloudy pass are non existent.
Hey man. This video is inspiring me to go. I did the Foss River high route loop last year, this sounds like my next big trip. But new to glacier travel. If me and a few keen buddies pooled some cash together to compensate ya, wonder if you might like teaching some basic glacier skills, as seen in this vid? We're in Seattle
I am not an admirer of rock formations and naked snow-capped mountains at all, as I like greenery and vegetation but your channel is awesome just because you are passionate about trips and things you share =))
Understandable. I like how your name describes your interests. I too like forests and plants and the fragrances, food, and shade they provide. You should check out Northwest Foraging: The Classic Guide to Edible Plants of the PNW by Doug Benoliel. I have learned some useful things from it. Thank You for your comment.
I hiked these mountains for many years. The valleys and slopes of the North Cascades are clothed in primeval old growth coniferous forest that give way up higher to incredible alpine flower meadows. Greenery in profuse abundance. The contrast with the high snowy crags is exquisite.
We were on the traverse the 26th through the 31st of July. In hindsight, I think the conditions were good for what gear we brought. I am glad the glaciers were not any more broken up or icy than they were. If I were to do it again, I would bring more people with more options for outs. We should have put a car at the traditional exit of the traverse at the Suiattle River Rd. in Darrington, then we could have at least finished the traverse. I also was not sure about the gap on the east side of Gunsight peak, which would provide access to the route to Hanging Gardens, and then eventually out Spider Gap and the Chiwawa River. This caused me unnecessary anxiety because it is there, we just had to go look, and not enough energy incase something happened and we had to turn around from there. From White Rock Lakes the traditional path goes down from the Lakes into the valley and accesses the Dana Glacier low on the other side of the cirque. It is easy to find if one looks. In the future, I would like to go back, repeat the traverse, and try something new out of White Rock Lakes. Thank You for watching and good luck.
The "glaciers" can ALL be bypassed or close enough to it. Technically can do the entire route without glacier gear, but , uh hem BUT if you get off route you WILL hit crevasses. There are ZERO crevasse problems in any season on this route in good weather(BIG asterisk here). Hope this helps. There is an exception: If you choose to climb Dome peak, yes, you will run into crevasses. This area is VERY rugged and while small sections have tread, not much else does. Warning: If bad weather the fastest way out generally speaking is retracing your steps backwards as the valleys on all sides are trail less. Last time I hiked the S. Cascade river trail was 20 years ago on my way to white rock lakes for the fall colors for a wall hanging picture(still on my wall to this day) and even then the ONLY reason I had ANY chance of following the abandoned trail is someone went in with orange tape and tagged the route before us at some unknown date. All other routes out are even WORSE than the S. Cascade River abandoned trail. A VERY strong party can get out from white rock lakes in a day, but you better not get off the old track and the old track is completely gone in several sections even 20 years ago. Only Cub lake/bachelor creek are true exit points along with Cascade pass.
Well Done! Certainly a vast mountainous region for the lower 48. PA guy here. My only backpacking experience in the PNW is the HO rainforest trail/Mt Olympus on the OP. Was the snow pack exceptionally deep last winter or did it stick around longer than usually? I know it did this Spring/Summer in the Winds. Definitely will visit this neck of the woods and just wonder if what you experienced is typical for this time of year?
A little of both. We definitely benefitted from a record snow pack this winter that carried into the spring. Kept snowing in the Cascades up till June this year. This is due to a strong La Nina pattern that has been around for a couple of years and forecasted to continue into next winter. Should be similar conditions next year if the summer heat is slow to set in like it did . this season. Last year we had some days over 100 degrees that melted a lot of the snow really fast in late June.
![[UNCUT] เก็บ "สจ.โต้ง" เอี่ยวมาเฟีย รู้ตัวคนบงการ ก่อนสั่งลั่นไก I คนดังนั่งเคลียร์ I 13 ธ.ค.67](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/o-J_p62D40w/mqdefault.jpg)
Did this 45 years ago. Exited via Bachelor creek. Planned to climb Dome Peak but I sprained my thumb. We had run out of food due to rainy days at Cache Col and Yang Yang Lakes. White Rock lakes were spectacular. 5 nights. Pre Gortex, All Trails, GPS, phones, etc. Relied on Becky’s Guide, USGS maps, compass, barometric altimeter, and dead reckoning.
Just when I thought a TH-cam climbing/hiking film couldn't get any better. This just might be the gold standard for TH-cam films. Also, thanks for talking about your experience without any lame musical content.
Thank You. So much inspiration went into this trip that I wanted to do the traverse what justice I could with my camera. Glad you enjoyed watching as much as I enjoyed creating. Take care.
I've seen numerous videos on the Ptarmigan Traverse you really took your time and provided the love of detail that makes this one I think the best video on it. Well done
Thank You. I just wanted to do a good job capturing this one. It is always on my mind that I might not get a second chance to return to these places in the future and this could be the one shot I get. I love the Glacier Peak Wilderness and wanted to portray that love and respect through this production. Take care and happy ventures!
What a great video man! Thanks for making and uploading it!
Nice. Greetings from the Spanish guy who greeted you at the beginning of your adventure.
Alejandro the Spaniard! It was a pleasure meeting you. Glad you got to come see the Cascades first hand. Hope your trip up Sahale Arm was all you imagined it would be.
@@aaronfulwider779 It was awesowe. The way to Sahale Glacier saw many marmots, mountain goats and one black bear. The best hike in our two weeks holydays in Northern Washington. Now preparing the following one in Glacier National Park.
Love your very detailed video. Thank you
Awesome
Thank You.
Brilliant work my dude
Thank you, congratulations.
Thank You James Hunt.
You speak with such passion and adventure! Thank you for bringing us along but also for pulling us into your adventure.
Thank You. It is my pleasure.
Love it !!! Thank you for sharing ❤
My pleasure. Thank you for watching.
what a great adventure, thanks for sharing
Thank You Rocky Ravine.
Another great hike video. Your story telling is getting so much better it makes for a entertaining video. The hiked looked rough... but thats one of the best parts. I am glad all worked out. Thanks for sharing!
Thank You Tom. The challenge to create this video forced me to choose my shots wisely. Glad you like it. Beyond the physical challenges the trip was mentally tough. It is sometimes easy to talk ourselves out of things. In hindsight we should have just parked my car at the traditional exit from the traverse, that way we could have more easily gone over the Dana Glacier from White Rock Lakes. I will have to continue the story over Dome Peak in another adventure. It can be done.
Yup, that looked about right for S. Cascade River valley. Went in that way 20 years ago and UGGGG took all day to get to the lake and I was in VERY good shape back then and only reason it was possible were all the orange flags and even then portions of trail were simply gone. The reward was great though. =-)
Pretty much has not changed. It was one of the toughest legs of the journey. So many places we could have gotten lost if it was not for All Trails and the markers. How do those glaciologists get up the observatory? They must be in very good shape or get helicoptered in.
@@aaronfulwider779 Helicopter is how. They have used a Helo for decades. PS: The hut, has an outhouse bathroom that is always open and the Hut has a library in it along with lots of bunk beds if you wish to crash and read.
Great video. As you discovered, mid-route exits from this traverse can be problematic. Among the potential difficulties that should be considered when planning this formidable adventure. There was a time many years ago when the South Fork Cascade Trail got regular maintenance, but that was another era.
Hoping to get out there in 24--looks like this is too much climbing for me, but sure looks beautiful. Thanks for sharing your trip
Thank You. You can see all the peaks of the Traverse by hiking up Sahale Arm in North Cascades National Park. Lots of incredible views for not that much work.
@@aaronfulwider779 thanks so much!
that was excellent aaron
Thank You Andrew.
Your video is especially helpful in thinking about tackling the traverse this summer. Lots of insightful detail and fun too. We attempted this on July 16 of last year and were "rained out." At least two other groups turned back that day. Incidentally, it was the last rainy day for at least the next several weeks. Having the extra three miles at the beginning was a blessing in disguise because it was much easier to retreat from Cache Col glacier rather than from Kook Aid Lake.
Thank You. Hopefully you will find more success this summer. I found that once on the traverse it was straight forward, it is the bail outs that suck. There is no easy way off the traverse, even the traditional exit has tails of bushwhacking adventure and long road walks. Technically, we still need to go back and finish the traverse past White Rock Lake. Wishing you the best of luck this summer.
@@aaronfulwider779 Honestly, don't bother. Cub lake/Bachelor creek are a PITA. Your original plan to go out Gap by Gunsight pass, Garden pass, cloudy pass, Spider pass is truly wonderful though. Very rough terrain though as zero boots paths till cloudy pass are non existent.
Hey man. This video is inspiring me to go. I did the Foss River high route loop last year, this sounds like my next big trip. But new to glacier travel. If me and a few keen buddies pooled some cash together to compensate ya, wonder if you might like teaching some basic glacier skills, as seen in this vid? We're in Seattle
I am not an admirer of rock formations and naked snow-capped mountains at all, as I like greenery and vegetation but your channel is awesome just because you are passionate about trips and things you share =))
Understandable. I like how your name describes your interests. I too like forests and plants and the fragrances, food, and shade they provide. You should check out Northwest Foraging: The Classic Guide to Edible Plants of the PNW by Doug Benoliel. I have learned some useful things from it. Thank You for your comment.
I hiked these mountains for many years. The valleys and slopes of the North Cascades are clothed in primeval old growth coniferous forest that give way up higher to incredible alpine flower meadows. Greenery in profuse abundance. The contrast with the high snowy crags is exquisite.
Awesome! What dates was this over?
Thank You. We were on the traverse July 26th through the 31st.
Stunning footage! just subscribed! What days did you do this hike? Do you recommend waiting for august?
We were on the traverse the 26th through the 31st of July. In hindsight, I think the conditions were good for what gear we brought. I am glad the glaciers were not any more broken up or icy than they were. If I were to do it again, I would bring more people with more options for outs. We should have put a car at the traditional exit of the traverse at the Suiattle River Rd. in Darrington, then we could have at least finished the traverse. I also was not sure about the gap on the east side of Gunsight peak, which would provide access to the route to Hanging Gardens, and then eventually out Spider Gap and the Chiwawa River. This caused me unnecessary anxiety because it is there, we just had to go look, and not enough energy incase something happened and we had to turn around from there. From White Rock Lakes the traditional path goes down from the Lakes into the valley and accesses the Dana Glacier low on the other side of the cirque. It is easy to find if one looks. In the future, I would like to go back, repeat the traverse, and try something new out of White Rock Lakes. Thank You for watching and good luck.
@@aaronfulwider779 Thank you so much! I am hoping to find some friends to do this with me this July!
The "glaciers" can ALL be bypassed or close enough to it. Technically can do the entire route without glacier gear, but , uh hem BUT if you get off route you WILL hit crevasses. There are ZERO crevasse problems in any season on this route in good weather(BIG asterisk here). Hope this helps. There is an exception: If you choose to climb Dome peak, yes, you will run into crevasses. This area is VERY rugged and while small sections have tread, not much else does. Warning: If bad weather the fastest way out generally speaking is retracing your steps backwards as the valleys on all sides are trail less. Last time I hiked the S. Cascade river trail was 20 years ago on my way to white rock lakes for the fall colors for a wall hanging picture(still on my wall to this day) and even then the ONLY reason I had ANY chance of following the abandoned trail is someone went in with orange tape and tagged the route before us at some unknown date. All other routes out are even WORSE than the S. Cascade River abandoned trail. A VERY strong party can get out from white rock lakes in a day, but you better not get off the old track and the old track is completely gone in several sections even 20 years ago. Only Cub lake/bachelor creek are true exit points along with Cascade pass.
Well Done! Certainly a vast mountainous region for the lower 48. PA guy here. My only backpacking experience in the PNW is the HO rainforest trail/Mt Olympus on the OP. Was the snow pack exceptionally deep last winter or did it stick around longer than usually? I know it did this Spring/Summer in the Winds. Definitely will visit this neck of the woods and just wonder if what you experienced is typical for this time of year?
A little of both. We definitely benefitted from a record snow pack this winter that carried into the spring. Kept snowing in the Cascades up till June this year. This is due to a strong La Nina pattern that has been around for a couple of years and forecasted to continue into next winter. Should be similar conditions next year if the summer heat is slow to set in like it did . this season. Last year we had some days over 100 degrees that melted a lot of the snow really fast in late June.
Yes, what he experienced and showed was typical for late July. There is a reason there are glaciers.
Thes,is,not,yeng,yeng,lakes,it,is,yang,yang,likes