Mt. Whittier, Norway Pass Traverse

Activity Notes

Mt Whittier is a scramble route in the Mount Margaret Backcountry, a beautiful area just northeast of Mt St Helens that is the same as it ever was, as in it was left unaffected by the 1980 eruption. It is said by some to be a "dangerous" climb, but that's a matter of perceptions. No Mazamas climber I've ever taken on this route has been weirded out. We will do fine with climbing helmets and trekking poles, but in an abundance of caution this climb will be canceled if conditions are wet.

We are camping the night before at Cowlitz Falls Campground SW of Randle WA. Upon acceptance to the climb, all climbers will be asked to contribute $14 toward camping to the climb's assistant leader. This will be non-refundable unless the climb is canceled eight or more days in advance, which is unlikely. There will be a pre-climb meeting in camp at 19:00 Saturday, August 2. Our drive to the campground will begin at 06:00 Sunday, August 3. It's a 90 minute drive from the campground to Norway Pass. 

I highly suggest carpooling in 4-wheel drive, higher clearance vehicles; if you don't have one please don't plan to drive solo. You may want to study our Saturday afternoon drive, our Sunday morning drive, and our Sunday afternoon drive. The usual routes via NF 25 are closed in 2025. 

I expect to begin climbing at 07:45. Our route will be a counter-clockwise loop that will visit lakes, where we can refill water bottles with quick filters, before turning south on the mountaineers trail to Whittier. The trail to the lakes is often overgrown, so long pants are advised. I will no longer be surprised to find a swarm of insects on the summit. Our climb will ascend 3,400' in 14.4 miles. Expect views of Spirit Lake and Mt St Helens from close range, and we may also be able to spot Mt Hood, Mt Adams, and Mt Rainier.