Mazamas — For the Love of Mountains
Ruth Mountain is located in the North Cascades near the Mount Baker Ski Area. It is often viewed from it's more popular neighbor Hannegan Peak and Hannegan Pass. Ruth Mountain involves some glacier travel near it's summit so a rope is recommended. Most people go up this peak in a day, while the more ambitious people do the Icy Peak traverse that goes up both summits. Round trip it is around 12 miles in distance and a little over 4,000 feet of elevation gain car to car. The standard route has a decent slope to ski down.
From the summit you will be treated to a gorgeous view of Mt. Shuksan. The angle from Mt. Ruth shows you Nooksack Tower and three glaciers cascading into the valley below.
| Other Information | |
|---|---|
| Driving Distance from Portland | 315 miles |
| Driving Time from Portland | 7 hours |
| Distance - Round Trip | 12 miles |
| General Route Info | The trip starts out as a gentile 4 mile hike though the Ruth Creek valley towards Hannegan Pass. Looming above the valley is Mount Sefrit to the South while Ruth Mountain is the glacier covered peak to the southeast. During the summer it is best to get through this section before the heat of the day due to the vegetation creating a lot of humidity. On the way you cross over many creeks and see various flowers on the side of the trail. (summitpost: https://www.summitpost.org/ruth-mountain/150890). At Hannegan Pass start heading SouthEast towards Point 5930' which starts out as a wide ridge. The slope eases up and starts traversing around Point 5930 on it's Northern side. There is a little exposure in this section, take cation and have your ice axes ready. As you go around go slightly up hill until you reach the ridge where you get a view of Ruth Mountain. Head Southwest and start following the ridge that goes to the bottom of Ruth. From here the route is straight forward. Once you arrive on the mountain itself you should rope up for glacier travel. It looks like a harmless snowfield in earlier season, but don't be fooled by appearance. Keep your eyes on the prize because the snow ridge just below the summit is the ridge you want to aim for as you climb. On the way up you pass by a small rock which offers a nice view if you feel like doing a mini side trip. With a little bit more of a push you arrive on the summit of Ruth Mountain. The North Cascades unfold with stunning views and deep valleys that go into the Picket Range. |
| Expected Duration | Car to car in one day |
| Interesting Features | Glacier(s), Mountain Views |
| Relevant Books | Selected Climbs in the North Cascades by Nelson and Potterfield Cascade Alpine Guide: Rainy Pass to Fraser River by Fred Beckey Climbing Washington's Mountains by Jeff Smoot |
| Relevant Maps | USGS 7.5 minute series, Mt. Sefrit and Mt. Shuksan, Green Trails Mt Shuksan (#14) Google map https://goo.gl/maps/677vtNGKn552 |
| Useful Links | GPS Track GPS Coordinates Map |
