"I would definitely recommend this trip to a friend."
Memorial Day Weekend (1999), no firm plans and only one day free--what to do. As it turned out, my friend Paul was in the same spot. Camp Muir seemed like a good candidate for challenging, last minute outing on a busy weekend.Busy is the understatement of the year--it looked like the photos of Chilkoot Pass during the gold rush. But the thing about that hike is that it's so wide open you don't feel the pressure of so many people. It's a real mix of serious climbers, skiiers, day-trippers and, if you're lucky and start early, you may meet Ake and Brekke, a couple in their late 70's who hike it every other day. It's a great hike for views, totally exposed and a real workout.
The route is on snow from Paradise and probably will be until July, from the looks of it. The trail went up over Panarama Point and across the top of McClure Rock safely along the ridge rather than up through the Pebble Creek valley under the avalanche prone slopes.
A great sunny day with temps in the 70's at Paradise and not much wind for most of the way. With so much snow, and the route trailing the east side of the snowfield, it was easy to walk over onto the edge of the Paradise Glacier where I could see ski and foot trails crossing recently opened crevasses--a reminder to keep my distance. Was also able to walk up near the base of Anvil Rock and look out onto the Cowlitz Glacier and into the bergschrund below the rock.
At the camp (10,000') the temp dropped suddenly to the 30's and the wind began gusting at what must have been close to 50 mph. It was a real struggle to maintain balance. Somebody's tent came loose and nearly blew out onto the glacier before they caught it. I climbed up Muir Rock to look down on the heavily crevassed Cowlitz Glacier and visit the plaque in memory of Janie Diepenbrock and Willi Unsoeld, then headed down through soft snow. More glissades than in the later season.
Trailhead is Paradise parking lot. About 5 mi, 4500' gain. 4 - 6 hrs up. Usually half on trail, half snow. Always busy and gets into the high altitude zone. Weather can change fast, so be prepared.
Note: This is backcountry wilderness travel. Any trail can become very dangerous in winter conditions. You are responsible for informing yourself of the hazards and taking the necessary precautions. Please read Terms of Use.