Climbing Conditions - Cascade Pass Area

Climbers negotiate steep snow on the north face of Buckner.

Erik Siehl

Climbing conditions for peaks in the greater Cascade Pass area, including Sahale via Sahale Arm, Buckner, Johannesburg, and the Ptarmigan Traverse 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routes in the park complex are located in wilderness, but some are wilder than others, and there may be limited or outdated information.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.

Cascade Pass Area Routes: Buckner, Sahale via Sahale Glacier, Johannesburg, Ptarmigan Traverse, etc.

Peak/Route	Conditions	Date	Author
All	In recent years many bears are observed around Sahale Glacier Camp (7600'). 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	Full winter conditions. Be very aware of avalanche conditions. All climbers should bring blue bags for all trips in the alpine and be prepared to use them. Leave the alpine clean for your next climb and for your fellow climbers. Due to road conditions, approach distances to climbing areas in early season are greater than during summer season. For conditions of Cascade River Road, see here.	04/17/12	Ranger

E-mail an updated report for any routes or peaks in this area: Buckner, Sahale via Sahale Glacier, Johannesburg, Ptarmigan Traverse, etc.