Ptarmigan Traverse + Dome Peak 4-5 days (strong, skilled team)
Details
Above photo courtesy of Summitpost
The Ptarmigan Traverse is one of the classic alpine routes in North America. The 35+ mile route passes through some of the most scenic areas in the Cascades running from Cascade Pass to Bachelor and Downey Creek. It will test your skills for alpine climbing, backpacking, and scrambling. The route passes several iconic mountains including, Mt Formidable, Sentinel Mountain, and Dome Peak. I plan to do the route in 4-5 days and also climb Dome Peak. The side trip to Dome would add about 5-10 miles to the route making it a 40+ mile trek.
This one-way traverse traverse also involves a car shuttle. We will need at least 2 vehicles, one parked at each trailhead to make this trip work.
In order to be on this trip, you should have good snow and glacier travel skills. You should know how to rock climb and scramble as well as hike and backpack.
I'm looking for a couple other partners with the skills and gear necessary to to do this traverse. We will be moving at a moderate pace of 2+ miles per hour on varying terrain, both up and downhill. YOU WILL BE INITIALLY WAITLISTED WHEN YOU RSVP. I WILL SELECT THOSE THAT I FIND TO BE MOST SUITABLE TO JOIN ON THIS TRIP.
Resources:
Trip Report: [https://trailcatjim.com/ptarmigan-traverse-dome-peak-2021/](https://www.peakbagger.com/climber/ascent.aspx?aid=538641)
Dome Peak: https://www.summitpost.org/dome-peak/150357
GPS Links: https://www.hikingproject.com/trail/7022077/ptarmigan-traverse
Courtesy of my friend Andrew: https://peakbagger.com/climber/ascent.aspx?aid=2254831
Rough Schedule (subject to change):
Wednesday: Arrange car shuttles, camp at trailhead along Cascade River Rd.
Thursday: Hike in Camp at Yang Yang lakes
Friday: Hike to White Rock Lakes, climb Lizard or Old Guard peaks along the way
Saturday: Climb Dome Peak, camp at Cub Lake or Istwoot Ridge
Sunday: Hike out, and drive to Cascade River road to get other vehicle, and drive home.
What to bring:
Pack, warm clothing layers (expect rain, snow, and wind), hiking or mountaineering boots, crampons and helmet, hiking poles, ice ax, (climbing harness, ATC Belay device, carabiners, and prussiks for the Dome Peak), navigation: map, compass, and GPS if you have it, emergency bivy, food and water for the day (2-3 liters minimum), sun protection, headlamp, sit pad, 10 essentials not already mentioned, and overnight camping gear. Ursacks, bear canisters, or secure food storage. Drivers should have directions and NW forest pass or equivalent. Bring money for the permit costs as well. Preference will be given to drivers that can take both passengers and bicycles.
Everyone bring good cheer!
Ptarmigan Traverse + Dome Peak 4-5 days (strong, skilled team)