Hannegan Pass and Peak, Ruth Mountain — Tuesday, Sep. 12, 2000

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area

The trail up to Hannegan Pass has a few muddy spots but is otherwise in good condition. The trail up to Ruth Arm is another matter. In particular, the section ascending the steep heather slope is nothing more than a 1'-wide rocky gully with water streaming through it. A lingering snowpatch between the bench at the top of the heather slope and the saddle on Ruth Arm was firm enough to require crampons. From Ruth Arm the trail is in perfect condition all the way to the glacier. The views of Shuksan and Baker were outstanding. The ascent of Ruth was quick and easy - perhaps 20 minutes from the base of the glacier. Minor crevasses were well off-route and therefore easily avoided. Snow at the bottom of the glacier required crampons. Snow near the summit was very soft but fine for walking. I could go on and on about the views so let me just mention the best - the Nooksack Cirque is one of the most amazing things I've ever seen in the Cascades. I descended the climbing route. Round-trip distance was about 12 miles. Total time was 8 hours (including 1 hour on the summit).