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jupsal Member
Joined: 20 Aug 2017 Posts: 49 | TRs | Pics
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jupsal
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Fri Jul 30, 2021 5:05 pm
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zimmertr
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JonnyQuest Member
Joined: 10 Dec 2013 Posts: 593 | TRs | Pics
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You should have no problems negotiating the "glaciers" with an axe and micro-spikes. They might actually come in more handy in the gullies traversing Mt. Carrie It's a wonderful trip - have fun and make sure to leave enough time to explore upper Queets Basin and even Ferry Basin. Both are worthy of exploration and down-time.
jupsal
jupsal
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meck Member
Joined: 31 Dec 2010 Posts: 920 | TRs | Pics
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meck
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Fri Jul 30, 2021 7:04 pm
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Lots of others will have input, here is my 2$.
I did it solo back in 2014 (was dropped off at Solduc, exited via the Snow Finger, and tramped out via the Elwha River Trail to Whiskey Bend TH when it was still accessible by automobile).
1. Allow plenty of time. The section you want to hike is beautiful, you're going to want to savor it. Also, its nice to have time to figure out the navigation and route finding. Although you *might* be able to make it from the Catwalk over Bear Pass to the upper basin in a long day (traveling fast from an early start), I'd allow at least two days (each way, after you have crossed the catwalk) + a day to linger in at least one location.
2. Bring plenty of water, or at least have the capability of carrying say 4-5 liters. I ran through all 4.5 liters I had going from 11-bull basin (where I'd filled up) to Cream Lake on a super hot afternoon.
3. Beware the Cream Lake vortex (I went to high and had to perform some interesting "committing" moves to get down to that stupid lake). If you have GPS tracks for this area, bring them.
4. The chutes on the side of Carrie can vary. When I went through them there were some pretty good steps kicked in, but I still had to psych myself up to cross the first couple.
5. Bring a GPS unit, compass, altimeter etc. and know how to use them. I got rained on midway through and had to hike one of my days in the clouds only being able to see maybe 200' max all day.
*Just say NO to Rent-Seeking, don't give up the concept of "ownership"*
jupsal, zimmertr
*Just say NO to Rent-Seeking, don't give up the concept of "ownership"*
jupsal, zimmertr
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jupsal Member
Joined: 20 Aug 2017 Posts: 49 | TRs | Pics
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jupsal
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Fri Jul 30, 2021 7:37 pm
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meck wrote: | 2. Bring plenty of water, or at least have the capability of carrying say 4-5 liters. I ran through all 4.5 liters I had going from 11-bull basin (where I'd filled up) to Cream Lake on a super hot afternoon. |
I couldn't find anything exact, is 11-bull basin the basin just SW of the big Stephen lake?
meck wrote: | 3. Beware the Cream Lake vortex (I went to high and had to perform some interesting "committing" moves to get down to that stupid lake). If you have GPS tracks for this area, bring them. |
Yup this is one I've noticed. I think I will go into Stephen basin and around Stephen peak as I have seen some others here do to avoid the vortex. Plus Stephen basin looks awesome. This should also help with some water issues I think.
meck wrote: | 4. The chutes on the side of Carrie can vary. When I went through them there were some pretty good steps kicked in, but I still had to psych myself up to cross the first couple. |
Yeah I think that's the scariest looking part to me. I'll definitely be careful and take my time through there.
meck wrote: | 5. Bring a GPS unit, compass, altimeter etc. and know how to use them. I got rained on midway through and had to hike one of my days in the clouds only being able to see maybe 200' max all day. |
Absolutely. I'll have two GPS units, including one with SOS.
Thanks so much for all the advice!!
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jupsal Member
Joined: 20 Aug 2017 Posts: 49 | TRs | Pics
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jupsal
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Fri Jul 30, 2021 7:38 pm
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JonnyQuest wrote: | You should have no problems negotiating the "glaciers" with an axe and micro-spikes. They might actually come in more handy in the gullies traversing Mt. Carrie It's a wonderful trip - have fun and make sure to leave enough time to explore upper Queets Basin and even Ferry Basin. Both are worthy of exploration and down-time. |
Yeah I meant more the glaciers near Bear pass, but it seems easy enough to negotiate. I'll definitely leave myself lots of time. Also a good benefit of doing an out-and-back is that I get to revisit my favorite places
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jupsal Member
Joined: 20 Aug 2017 Posts: 49 | TRs | Pics
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jupsal
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Fri Jul 30, 2021 7:39 pm
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JonnyQuest wrote: | You should have no problems negotiating the "glaciers" with an axe and micro-spikes. They might actually come in more handy in the gullies traversing Mt. Carrie It's a wonderful trip - have fun and make sure to leave enough time to explore upper Queets Basin and even Ferry Basin. Both are worthy of exploration and down-time. |
Yeah I meant more the glaciers near Bear pass, but it seems easy enough to negotiate. I'll definitely leave myself lots of time. Also a good benefit of doing an out-and-back is that I get to revisit my favorite places
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coldrain108 Thundering Herd
Joined: 05 Aug 2010 Posts: 1858 | TRs | Pics Location: somewhere over the rainbow |
meck wrote: | 4. The chutes on the side of Carrie can vary. When I went through them there were some pretty good steps kicked in, but I still had to psych myself up to cross the first couple. |
A couple of years ago I was in Cat Basin and ran into several parties that got stopped by those gullies. One guy broke a rib falling in one. Another couple (who started at Olympus and had to find a way through) said they had to lose a lot of elevation to get through.
Since I have no expectations of forgiveness, I don't do it in the first place. That loop hole needs to be closed to everyone.
Since I have no expectations of forgiveness, I don't do it in the first place. That loop hole needs to be closed to everyone.
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Tomlike Member
Joined: 22 Jun 2010 Posts: 407 | TRs | Pics
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Tomlike
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Mon Aug 02, 2021 8:24 am
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In my opinion, the snow finger is not bad (the majority of the snow is gone, which has made it easier over the years). You say you have lots of scrambling experience, so you will feel right at home in the Bailey range. Personally I would leave the ice axe; likely the only place you will need it is the Childs glacier. Last year on our Bailey traverse we simply dropped down below and around the glacier, as it was pretty slick and we didn't have axes either. An out and back sounds very tedious. I will be the lone vote here saying it's nice to finish hiking out the NF Quinault on an easy trail.
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mountainflamingo Member
Joined: 15 Nov 2008 Posts: 82 | TRs | Pics Location: Tralfamadore |
I did the traverse last year and we camped at Lake 4998 west of Stephen Peak and then traversed around the north side of Stephen Peak (and scrambled up it) and then traversed the east ridge toward the Ferry Basin. I quite liked this route and the camp at the lake was really nice. If I was doing an out and back I would do this one direction and the south side (Cream Lake) the other direction just to keep it fresh. You can see my trip report on here from last year if that is helpful.
jupsal
jupsal
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jupsal Member
Joined: 20 Aug 2017 Posts: 49 | TRs | Pics
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jupsal
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Fri Aug 06, 2021 12:13 pm
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Happy to report I did exactly this and that your TR was what lead me to the Stephen basin. Happy I did it!
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