Approach: The climber’s route into Boston Basin is snow free as far as the lower bivy sites. Crossing Boston Creek was easily doable either on snow bridges or rocks. This could change on any given day and snow bridges should be seriously evaluated before crossing them!
Camping: The Upper Bivy site is still mostly snow covered, there are a few small sites that are bare rock but the majority of places to put a tent are not yet available. Plan on snow camping if going to the Upper Bivy. The composting toilets at the upper and lower bivy areas have been cleared of snow, de-tarped, and are ready for use for the season. A note on permit zones, the Forbidden Cross Country zone does not include the East or West ridges of Forbidden Peak, and is not a viable option for a permit zone if attempting those routes.
Climbing: Conditions looked good as of our visit. Most of the standard routes in the area are seeing ascents this weekend. The West Ridge Couloir on Forbidden is reportedly in good condition, the Quien Sabe glacier was in good condition, and the snow gullies up to Sharkfin Tower looked well-filled in.
Nice weather in Boston Basin!
The North Face of Johannesburg.
Sharkfin Tower and the Quien Sabe glacier in fine form.
The Cascade River Road is now open all the way to it's end, so come on up and get some climbing done!
-Climbing Rangers