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East Ridge

4th, Trad, Alpine, 1100 ft (333 m),  Avg: 2.2 from 5 votes
FA: Joe Hazard & B. French (1917)
Washington > Central-W Casca… > Western Alpine… > Mt Thomson

Description

The typical descent route, but can be enjoyed as an easy non technical mountain route.

From the PCT around 5.5 miles from road to the Kendall Katwalk, at 5,400’ hike past Ridge Lake and up and above Alaska Lake to Bumblebee Pass. Descend the opposite side to a basin south of Mt. Thomson. From the basin on the right follow a steep heather and talus slope to a notch at 5,600’. From the notch turn left and continue to the final summit rocks. There is a short 20’ section of class 4 and the remainder is class 3. You can rappel that section if you bring a rope, make a handline or downclimb it easily. This is a very long 10 hour day.

Location

On the right side of the face as you approach, up and through a traveled notch.

Protection

Helmets, optional rope for the rappel

Comments [Hide ALL Comments]

Ronald Malavotte
Wittmann, AZ
 
[Hide Comment] From the PCT around 5.5 miles from road to the Kendall Katwalk, at 5,400’ we hiked past Ridge Lake and up and above Alaska Lake to Bumblebee Pass. We descended the opposite side to a basin south of Mt. Thomson. From the basin on the right follow a steep heather and talus slope to a notch at 5,600’. From the notch we turned left and continued to the final summit rocks. There is a short 20’ section of class 4 and the remainder is class 3. We rappelled the short section of class 4 only because we brought a rope. Several slings could be tied together for a hand line that would work. This was a very long 10 hour day. Jun 1, 2020