The Beholder

The Beholder is a fun moderate line up Blue Crag’s North Face. Start by climbing three pitches of mostly M3-M4. Belay top of pitch 3 at the tree on Why Ya Sufferin. Follow the Why Ya Sufferin main snow line for a pitch, then break right and up the right side of the “Australia snowfield.” The crux is the big chock stone up high, right before topping out on the summit ridge. 7 pitches total.

Most of the rock pitches had surprisingly positive holds – they were all faced the right way! A unique treat in the alpine. The snow on this due-North face can vary, but often is facets. On some ascents, I’ve climbed favoring the snow, other times the rock, following whichever was better. This particular ascent we favored rock.

To some, Blue Crag is choss pile with junk rock and even worse snow. Compared to some of the routes I’ve climbed, though, I thought it was pretty good. Maybe it helps to have low standards! “The Beholder” is a nod to the neighboring “Cascade Classic” (named so because of the rock quality, aka, it’d be a good route in the Cascades!). The beauty of an alpine line is in the eye of the beholder. I thought it was pretty darn good.

I would recommend The Beholder to anyone looking for a good quality, relatively well-protected moderate alpine route in the winter or spring.

Double set of cams from black totem to #1 Camalot, single #2-3, Stoppers. No pins.