[Fletcher]

Wanting to take advantage of this crazy weather window, Kyle and I decided to climb Mount Wow in MRNP today. The lack of snow on the route was a huge surprise to us, despite the temperature inversion going on this week. There seems to have been an immense amount of melting (at least down by Rainier) since the last snows. We chose Goat Creek Road off of FR 59 as our approach and climbed the SW ridge all the way to the summit. The route is really quite easy and pleasant. We parked the crashwagon at the junction of FR 59 and Goat Creek Road, although we could have driven a little bit farther.

big puddle along Goat Creek Road

shortly after leaving the road

We ended up leaving the road about 50 yards too late and lost quite a bit of time getting ourselves back on track and headed for the correct ridge. There was a fair amount of snow on Goat Creek Road and shortly after leaving it, but as soon as things steepened up, the snow was nonexistent... for almost 2000 vertical feet. We wouldnt see a hint of snow until we were above 5,000 feet. This route up Mount Wow is mostly brush free, steep, really direct, and fun!

random Park Boundary Marker we came across while off-route

nice

pleasant travel

pleasant travel

yeah!

first snow we encountered since leaving the road, at 5k

The snow was pretty spotty until 5,500 ft.

more snow-free travel

one of the steeper spots

more snow up here

the steepest part of the climb

summit in sight

felt like spring

Kyle just below the summit

This route up Wow is really cool because you never get to see Mount Rainier at all until you crest the final bit to the summit. And then, Wow!

wow

summitshot

Saint Helens

Although air temps on top seemed pretty warm, the wind made it chilly. We snapped some pictures and began our descent which went by really fast.

heading down

heading down

There was some interesting hoarfrost when we were nearing the road.

Mount Wow 12-11-17

Mount Wow 12-11-17

Really fun trip with an old friend! With having lost a lot of time getting off route and a couple long breaks, it took us 6 hours C2C at a leisurely pace.

[Mike Collins]

When Justus and I went up Mt Wow we weren't sure if the sister summit ~200 ft away was taller so we tagged that one also. Did you wonder if the adjacent highpoint is taller?

[Fletcher]

I did see that... it looked funky getting over there with the snow so we left it. Maybe Ill have to go back up there sometime to claim 100 percent actual summit achievement.

[RichP]

Amazing lack of snow! Two more days of inversion might melt the rest.

[Snowdog]

We did this route a few years ago- a fun one for sure! https://www.nwhikers.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=8012056&start=0&postdays=0&postorder=asc&highlight=mt+wow+mount

[Gimpilator]

Good stuff

[Snowdog]

Fletcher, you carried snowshoes & axe- I see axe in Kyle's hand at one point, but did you ever put on snowshoes? Would spikes/crampons be a good idea? thnx.

[Fletcher]

Hey Elle, I used my axe for about 5 minutes the whole trip, on a steep heathery bit mixed with some snow. Crampons and snowshoes stay on the pack all day.

[Snowdog]

thanks- I've been following your inspired footsteps alot lately- first Round, now Wow. Hell of a high pressure system we are enjoying! Sadly, may not last much longer, but I'm ready for some fresh snow.

[Fletcher]

Glad to provide the opportunity! Although, breaking trail up Wow was short lived and an absolute breeze for the most part.

[RichP]

Our merry band of mountain travelers visited Wow yesterday and were definitely wowed by the view. It was warm and calm on the summit where we sat for an hour. Thanks for the inspiration, Fletcher.

Recent slide on Rainier.

Rock on Mt Wow.

Dicey and Adams.

Mt Wow summit in view.

A few moves.