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 nights before and after at Cowlitz Falls Campground SW of Randle WA. Why? This is a long climb, and I don't like returning home around midnight. 

Upon acceptance to the climb, all climbers will be asked to contribute $16 toward camping. 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 Friday, August 7. Our drive to the trailhead will begin at 06:00 Saturday, August 8, subject to the camp agreeing to open its gate at that hour. It's an 80 minute drive from the campground to Norway Pass. I suggest leaving Portland at 15:30 Friday, August 7.

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 Friday afternoon drive and our Saturday morning drive.

I expect to begin climbing at 07:45. Our route will be a counter-clockwise loop that will visit lakes--and peak huckleberries!--where we can refill water bottles with quick filters, before turning south on the mountaineers trail to Whittier. The trail to the lakes is more overgrown each year, so long pants are advised. 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.