Hannegan Pass and Peak, Ruth Mountain — Friday, Dec. 6, 2002

North Cascades > Mount Baker Area

What an awesome climb Although this is regarded as a better ski trip, we decided to leave our skis at home since the snow deposits have been so low and headed up the trail at 8am this morning (Left Everett at 430am) It is such a mild trail for the first mile or 2, and then gradual ascends steeper until you get to Hannagen Pass at about mile 4. This is where the snow begins and does not end. Good steps were already there for us, and once we gained about 500 feet we donned our pons, and started the traverse on the steep slopes way below ruth. We then got to the saddle below the mountain and began the final ascent of 1100 feet on the Ruth Glacier (very tame, no rope or harnesses) There were only about 5 visible crevasses which were larger, but they were way off route except for one which was easy to negotiate. We arrived at the summit at noon with hardly any winds and incredible views. We left at 1245 and arrived at the car at 315. Good Times www.nwog.org