August 2, 2016
-
- Selfie on top of Mt. Degenhardt
-
- The Pickets (Austin Shannon)
Looking for the full Cascade experience? The Picket Range has all you need and more! Climbing in the Cascades will test a climber to his or her absolute end. The Picket Range is no exception. I recently had the opportunity to guide a trip to the Southern Pickets. Peaks such as Inspiration (7,880ft), Degenhardt (8,000ft), and West McMillan Spire (8,000ft) were on the top of our tick list.  The hike from the parking lot to camp in Terror Basin is 6,000ft of elevation gain over just a few miles!
Yes the Pickets are rugged; yes they are the most remote range in Washington State. But they are every bit worth the effort. The remote campsite of Terror Basin is everything the alpine climber can hope for. Beautiful streams running by the campsite. Few visitors. And perfect panorama views of the Southern Pickets. One major advantage to the long rugged approach is, once your there most of the work is done. Many summits are available from the Terror Basin campsite.
The climbing on Degenhardt and West McMillan spire is wonderful. It offers climbers great alpine exposure, magnificent views of Mt. Baker and Mt. Shuksan to the North and Glacier Peak and Mt. Rainier to the south. If you’re a climber looking for more to explore in Washington, I highly recommend the Picket Range.
After we had two great summits of Degnhardt and West McMillian Spire we headed over Washington Pass to the small town of Mazama, Washington. Mazama is a climber’s paradise. Great places to eat, fun swimming holes on the river, and spectacular granite climbing make Mazama a true destination climbing spot.
The Goat Wall is just 4 miles up lost river road outside Mazama. Prime Rib of Goat is a Mazama classic. This route is an 11 pitch 1300’ grade III sport climb.  Prime Rib is a great summer climb when the temperature is hot in the valley. The route itself is in the shade all day and gets any sort of valley breeze. After our tough ascents in the Picket Range the short approach of The Goat wall was welcomed.
IMG Lead Guide Austin Shannon