Mazamas — For the Love of Mountains
West McMillan Spire offers a moderate, relatively non-technical climb in the otherwise daunting Southern Pickets. Look for extraordinary views of Mt. Terror, Mt. Fury, Luna Peak, and the rest of the wild Picket Range and much of the North Cascades. The approach, however, is notoriously demanding. Bring your camera!
Activity Notes
This is a stunningly gorgeous climb in the Pickett Range of the North Cascades. Although this is the least technical climb in the Picketts, don't let that fool you. The climb requires a high level of fitness, steep snow up to approximately 40 degrees, and exposed rock scrambling. Total ascent is in excess of 9,000 vertical feet. It's completely worth it.
Full packing list to be provided later. We'll leave town the afternoon/evening of July 15th, drive up, and car camp. If you don't camp with the group, we'll meet at the Marblemount Ranger Station the morning of July 16th.
| Other Information | |
|---|---|
| Driving Distance from Portland | 340 miles |
| Driving Time from Portland | 7 hours |
| Expected Duration | Car to car in two or more days |
| Relevant Books | Selected Climbs in the Cascades Vol. 1 by Nelson and Potterfield Cascade Alpine Guide: Rainy Pass to Fraser River by Fred Beckey |
| Relevant Maps | Green Trails, Marblemount |
| Useful Links | GPS Track GPS Coordinates Map |
