Steamboat Prow

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There are 4 trip reports for this hike.

Steamboat Prow — Jul 25, 2009 — Peter

Day hike

Features: Wildflowers blooming

Issues: Washouts | Water on trail | Snow on trail

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The hike up to Steamboat Prow, 9700', is a long but worthwhile day in a wonderful park. The Glacier...

The hike up to Steamboat Prow, 9700', is a long but worthwhile day in a wonderful park. The Glacier Basin trail from the White River campground is still a mess for about one mile not too far in from the trailhead (work is in progress to reroute this section uphill--thank you WA Trails), but overall the going is not hard.

The lupine was especially good on the trail as were other flowers later on--even some little ones among the rocks at 9000'. The real fun begins when you strap on the crampons at the base of the Inter Glacier, pretty easy going as glaciers go with few crevasses and clear boot paths from previous travellers. Some climbing parties were roped up here but most people weren't. The higher you go the better the views get and a nice rhythm can be established on the snow. I had Steamboat Prow to myself while I looked down to see many climber's tents at Camp Shurman, and higher up the little dots of climbers could be seen descending the great summit dome of Rainier.

I did 5400' of gain and 11 miles total and it took almost ten hours at a fairly leisurly pace (I also took 75 pictures!). There aren't many places in WA where one can go so high in a day as this one.
Some cool volcanic rock shapes to see up there as well as the ice. It's always good to get close to the big mountain; I summited ten years ago and may have to do it again.

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Steamboat Prow — Jul 23, 2006 — Jason

Day hike

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I intended to climb Ruth Mountain via the Inter Galcier. On the way to Glacier Basin I passed a ranger...

I intended to climb Ruth Mountain via the Inter Galcier. On the way to Glacier Basin I passed a ranger who insisted that I not travel the Inter Glacier because blue glacier ice was showing and he didn't want to come rescue me if I broke my ankle. He said to take one of the gullies across from the moraine instead.

I arrived at Glacier Basin and saw the gullies he mentioned. They looked passable but only placed me on a ridge from where I had no idea if it would go to the summit and on what kind of terrain. My best guess had me scrambling cross-country on loose class 3 rock and frequently getting lost. I decided to risk the glacier.

I used ice axe and crampons and headed right up the staircase. I passed one group and then another and was on my own. At the ""top"" of the glacier I realized I was only about halfway up. From that point onwards every 15 steps or so would have me bent over sucking wind. It took a looooooong time to reach Camp Curtis.

At the camp I met a climber who recommended Steamboat Prow. Ruth Mountain looked boring - I was already higher than its summit. It turns out the point I was considering as an alternate destination was Steamboat Prow but I didn't realize it until the climber mentioned it. So I headed further up.

At this point you can take off the crampons and just walk a dirt path on the ridge up to the summit. At the summit I was a bit disappointed. The sun was in a bad position and creating a wicked UV haze. The view from Steamboat Prow is also not terribly interesting. You're too close to the mountain. I did the best I could with the camera and then headed back down exhausted. There were 3 very nice, long glissades on the way back.

11 miles RT. 5355' of gain. There were fewer people on the trail this week than last week. Glacier Basin camp was nearly full however. Some bugs but no mosquitoes. Warm (but not hot) temps up the Glacier Basin. Cool temps from there - I had to wear a jacket while climbing because of a chill wind coming down the glacier.

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Glacier Basin,Interglacier,Steamboat Prow — Jul 01, 2006 — GMP

Day hike

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From White River CG to middle of ridge atop Interglacier (9100'), noon start, 8:20pm finish @ moderate pace w/frequent breaks. Glacier...

From White River CG to middle of ridge atop Interglacier (9100'), noon start, 8:20pm finish @ moderate pace w/frequent breaks.

Glacier Basin trail wide and easy with frequent solid snow patches.

From GB, well-travelled path on ridge above glacial melt leads to Interglacier route.

Well-travelled, consolidated boot path leads up middle of Interglacier before angling left (obvious) at around 8000'.

Snow is in great shape; only one crevasse on your left ascending, which path skirts widely. About a dozen skiers, a few skinning up, but easier to carry skis thru the steep section. Existing kicked steps short and steady; really nice.

Carried crampons, but did not come close to using them.

Glissaded down, excellent and slow speed in soft 6pm condition (pic2).

Can use axe or, only if you're adept, poles on much of the glissade.

Camp Sherman visible from ridge starting about 8900' (pic1). Emmons route in great shape.

4800' gain, about 10.5 miles RT.

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Glacier Basin,Steamboat Prow — Jul 22, 2002 — Julien Chomette

Day hike

Issues: Blowdowns

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Trail to Glacier Basin is in excellent condition, lots of flowers & for those macro lovers there is quite...

Trail to Glacier Basin is in excellent condition, lots of flowers & for those macro lovers there is quite a large number of Few Flowered shooting stars. Bears have been seen in the area lately so be cautious with your food. The campground by the basin has a few flies & mosquitos but nothing a repellent can't take care of. Interglacier is in decent shape, the top of the first step has some hard ice becoming runny by noon, you will encounter three crevasses (all very well marked). The glissading chutes are already made & perfect for a quick descente. Lots of people before the glacier, scarce after that. memorable hike/climb. Bring an ice axe, gaiters, sunscreen & sun glasses.

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Location: Mt. Rainier

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