Climbing Adventures in Canada: Eldorado Peak, WA

Eldorado Peak from Cascade Pass Trail Head

Another Cartwright and Dabrow adventure into the what is known as the Mother of the Cascades. At 8868' it is far from being a high mountain for the area but what makes the climb challenging is the relief that is experienced. This makes for a very challenging overall elevation gain and some steep going. We decided to camp out by the Cascade River in the Westy and then leave early for a one day climb of the mountain. This would also be training for doing Rainier later in the summer.

A nice camp location for Westy and gang

We woke around 3:00 in the morning, made a quick meal and grabbed our packs for a day of playing. Since we sussed out the crossing of the creek we had no problem locating the main log bridge and getting on our way. After an hour or so of steep but cool hiking we arrived at the 3000' level and had nice views of J'burg and other peaks across the valley behind us. the trail continued and off we went until we broke out into the boulder field at 5200'. After this area one enters into some meadows with nice waterfalls and it was here that we lost the trail by crossing under the waterfall a bit too early. Nonetheless, we recovered our trail higher up.

MC in stroll mode

3000' level and nice views

Boulder field at 5200'

Just about to get lost

Reaching snow line

Time to change over to snow tires

6800' on the Eldorado Glacier

Break for refuel

Inspiration Glacier and the final Eldorado Ridge

After crossing the glacier we headed for a small break on the lower right side of the ridge. This is where we would drop our packs and put us on the ramp to the summit. The snow was well consolidated and allowed for easy kick stepping. Michael motored on for the top and I followed after munching a bit more. The summit is a sharp snow knife edge and we roped up for safety purposes should someone slip. The time invested was approximately 6 hours from the car to the summit. As we took in the view, a small rain squall blew through and just slightly missed us on the west side of the peak.

Chris dropping his pack and getting ready