Climbing Conditions - Boston Basin Area

Conditions for climbs in the Boston Basin area, including Forbidden, Sharkfin, and Sahale via the Quien Sabe Glacier can be found below. For conditions on other climbs, return to Planning a Climb.

Condition reports come from climbing and wilderness rangers, the voluntary climbing register, and other climbers. To make a climbing report, please email the Wilderness Information Center in Marblemount. Please include the route, snow level, any hazards encountered (or not), peak(s) attempted, and whether your party successfully summitted.

All of the climbing routes in the park complex are located in wilderness, but some are wilder than others, and there may be limited or outdated information. Use these reports as a baseline, but plan for changing conditions and a true adventure. On many routes, the discovery, physical stress, and route-finding challenges are half the fun.

Boston Basin Area Routes: Forbidden, Sahale via Quien Sabe, Sharkfin, etc.

Peak / Route	Conditions	Date	Author
Boston Basin/Sharkfin/ Forbidden/Sahale	Lower section of approach to Boston Basin is a bit muddy, but overall in good shape. Snow bridges cover major stream crossings however high temperatures will make those crossings more difficult. Solid snow cover .25 miles before reaching the basin. Can cross Bostin Creek on solid snow. Lower bivy sites under snow. Lower composting toilet open. Running waster a few hundred feet up from bivy sites. Sharklin: gettng over moat and into Sharkfin gully is straightforward. A bit of snow on the east facing side of the route. Forbidden: Couloir to the west ridge looks solid with good snow coverage. South facintg side of Forbidden is clear of snow. Could see from Sharkfin that the East Ridge route is holding quite a bit of snow. Sahale: Quien Sabe Glacier in good shape. Few crevasses starting to open. Easier travel in the morning.	07/05/2012	ranger
All	The Cascade River Road is open to the trailhead. Parking space for a few vehicles at the beginning of the Boston Basin approach	07/05/12	Ranger
All	Black bears have been observed in Boston Basin and around Sahale Glacier Camp (7600') in recent years. Bears have also been observed on glaciers in the past. Proper food storage is required for all visitors in the backcountry, including climbers. Leaving food in a tent is not proper food storage. Rangers will be checking and enforcing this regulation in Boston Basin and all other areas of the Park. Ask rangers for advice regarding food storage when acquiring a permit for your climb.	04/17/12	Ranger
All	Lots of fresh snow on peaks surrounding Boston Basin. The lower bivy site composting toilet is open. Running water located within 200'. Bring blue bags if bivying anywhere above the lower site. Leave the alpine clean for your next climb and for your fellow climbers.	07/04/12	Ranger

Email an updated report for any routes or peaks in this area: Forbidden, Sahale via Quien Sabe, Sharkfin, etc.