Mazamas — For the Love of Mountains
Big Kangaroo is the highpoint of a spectacular ridge nestled between the popular Sawtooth Ridge and Liberty Bell group. Despite numerous dramatic crags, fins, and spires, it doesn’t receive as many visitors as its neighbors. Beckey’s Alpine Guide describes it as, “a bizarre museum of breathtaking rock sculpture and abounds with unique curiosities of form.” Multi-pitch routes have been climbed from every side, but the easiest and most direct is the West route straight up from the hairpin curve of Washington Pass. Early season is best since steep(!) scree is snow-covered. Note that Hwy 20 usually doesn’t open until mid-May.
| Other Information | |
|---|---|
| Driving Distance from Portland | 330 miles |
| Driving Time from Portland | 6 hours |
| Distance - Round Trip | 2 miles |
| General Route Info | Big Kangaroo is the highpoint of a spectacular ridge nestled between the popular Sawtooth Ridge and Liberty Bell group. Despite numerous dramatic crags, fins, and spires, it doesn’t receive as many visitors as its neighbors. Beckey’s Alpine Guide describes it as, “a bizarre museum of breathtaking rock sculpture and abounds with unique curiosities of form.” Multi-pitch routes have been climbed from every side, but the easiest and most direct is the West route straight up from the hairpin curve of Washington Pass. Early season is best since steep(!) scree is snow-covered. Note that Hwy 20 usually doesn’t open until mid-May. |
| Expected Duration | Car to car in one day |
| Interesting Features | Spectacular Views |
| Relevant Books | Cascade Alpine Guide: Rainy Pass to Fraser River (Beckey) |
| Relevant Maps | USGS Silver Star |
| Useful Links | GPS Track GPS Coordinates Map |
