9 miles of hiking • 4500' elevation gain •
Comments
Yes - I went on Monitor Ridge, didn't use any traction (had my crampons but there wasn't enough snow) but hiking poles were helpful. The "trail" on snow was beat up very well by hikers who went before me. Going down was kind of slippery, microspikes would've been nice.
did you see any rangers up on the mountain? also now that its later in the season would you think snowshoes are required? or just boots poles and gaters?
Daniela, Sorry late responding on this. I'd say it's too steep for snowshoes, but definitely take the gaiters and some foot traction in case there's ice.
While there were no rangers on my trip (which was during shutdown, and thus no climbing permits were required), I talked with a guy who climbed a dozen times and said it's the first time he didn't see rangers on the mountain. He said the rangers would climb alongside hikers and check permits at any point on the hike... I'd rather wait for the next shutdown, rather than trying to beat the odds hiking without permit. Right now November 1 through March 31 (or 15th?) climbing permits are free but there are WA sno-park permits.
Karl
October 7, 2013
Sweeet! Monitor Ridge? Traction devices required?