Classic Cascade Climbs by Jim Nelson

Author:Jim Nelson
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Mountaineers Books
Published: 2021-09-14T16:00:00+00:00

APPROACHES, GRADE IV

There are no good shortcuts to reach Challenger, and all the popular approaches require roughly the same level of time and effort.

FROM THE EAST: From Ross Lake to Big Beaver to Wiley Ridge is a bit more than 6000 feet of elevation gain (as well as 700 feet of loss) to the east end of the Challenger Glacier near 6700 feet. Follow the approach for Climb 44, East Fury–West Fury Traverse, to Luna Camp on the Big Beaver Trail at about 2500 feet. From Luna Camp, continue on the Big Beaver Trail another 3.5 miles to Beaver Pass at 3600 feet.

Beginning about 0.3 mile south of the Beaver Pass Shelter, ascend the forested slope and aim for the 5700-foot bench just above tree line at the east end of Wiley Ridge. Traverse steep alpine slopes on the south side of Wiley Ridge, going as low as 5600 feet to stay below cliff bands. After about 1 mile, the terrain eases considerably near meadows and ponds. There is no shortage of great campsites between here and the Challenger Glacier. Open terrain leads past Eiley Lake, Wiley Lake, and Point 7374 (aka Big Beaver Peak), followed by a descent to reach the east end of the Challenger Glacier at about 6720 feet. A rock island a short way up the glacier has adequate tent sites.

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