Mazamas — For the Love of Mountains
This ridge in in the Washington Pass area near Liberty Bell in the North WA Cascades.
Similar in style, variety, and payoff to the Tatoosh Range, but more a bit more committing and technical, the Snagtooths offer accessible adventure and spectacular views of the North Cascades. Both Silver Star and Big Snagtooth are in the WA Top 100 elevation, and Silver Star is in the WA Top 100 prominence. The Silver Star-Big Snagtooth Traverse can be done in a long day (12-18 hours depending on party fitness, skill, and size) or as an overnight (larger camp at the head of Silver Star creek on the West slope, a couple small bivy sites in Burgundy col on the ridge North of Silver Star). Try to strike a seasonal balance between early season snow (low compared to West Cascades) and mid/late season bushwack/scree scramble (no established trail up Big Snagtooth though Silver Star has a semi-established boot path).
Activity Notes
Day 1 will ascend to the bench at 6600 on the West side of the ridge for camp. Day 2 will cross the ridge at Burgundy col and ascend Silver Star from the North on Silver Star glacier. We'll then rappel/down-climb the South side of Silver Star and traverse South on the East side of the ridge to Big Snagtooth. Descent will follow Willow Creek back to the TH.
| Other Information | |
|---|---|
| Driving Distance from Portland | 330 miles |
| Driving Time from Portland | 6 hours |
| General Route Info | summitpost: https://www.summitpost.org/big-snagtooth/848553 peakbagger: http://www.peakbagger.com/peak.aspx?pid=1916 |
| Expected Duration | Car to car in two or more days |
| Interesting Features | Ridgelines |
| Relevant Books | Selected Climbs in the North Cascades, Vol 1 (Nelson & Potterfield) Cascade Alpine Guide: Rainy Pass to Fraser River (Beckey) Climbing Washington’s Mountains (Jeff Smoot) |
| Relevant Maps | Silver Star Mountain 1:24,000 Google map https://goo.gl/maps/9cT45RArMwj |
| Useful Links | GPS Track GPS Coordinates Map |
