Snowboarding 25 Volcanoes in the Cascade Range
In 2009 I had just got done snowboarding the 5 Washington Volcanoes and it was time for a bigger seasonal goal. Coming up with ideas I decided to focus on the volcanoes of the Cascade Range putting together a list of 25 separate mountains. Starting with a rare warm weather window in January I finally took my last tuns of the season in Mid July. Below you will find the trips chronologically with a link to the specific reports.
South Oregon Volcanoes Diamond Peak
Mount Theilsen
Mount Bailey
Mount Scott
Mount Mazama
Mount Yamsay
Mount McLoughlin
California Volcanoes
Mount Shasta
Shastina
Lassen Peak
Mount Saint Helens via the Worm Flows
With a warm front hitting the Cascade Mountains in Mid January we decided to tick off Mount Saint Helens. Our plan was to ride via the Worm Flow Route and hopefully find good corn on the South facing slopes.
Mount Theilsen
02-19-2009
Making our way down to Oregon in Mid February we found ourselves on the shores of Diamond Lake. With the summit being eroded out the plan was to ride the western slopes as high as the snowpack would allow.
Mount Bailey
02-20-2009
After a day of riding on Mount Thelisen it made since to head accross the lake towards Mount Bailey. With a Cat skiing operation in full efect we followed the groomed route both up and back. While we would have liked to ski the eastern side of the slopes there just wasn’t enough time.
Mount Bachelor
02-22-2009
With one day left on our road trip we decided to do an early morning climb of Mount Bachelor. Making our way up at sunrise our hope was to beat the ski lift crowds. While a beautiful morning run before the drive home we followed the groomers both up and down before driving back to Seattle.
Mount Rainier
04-16-2009
After focusing on the lower mountains for most of March the we had a quick weather window for Mount Rainier. Being that it was Mid April the days were still semi short but Amar and I decided to go for the summit. With the sun setting to our backs we made our way down the Gib Chute with it being the most direct way back to the Muir Shelter.
Mount Shasta
05-15-2009
Finally we were in the begining of the Spring Touring Season so Amar Andalkar and I decided to do a road trip. We would work with the weather driving all the Way to Northern California before focusing our attention on Mount Shasta. With it still having a thick snowpack we climbed via the Avalanche Gulch before descending the Konwakiton Glacier.
Shastina
05-16-2009
After a big day climbing Mount Shasta we decided to do an easier day climbing Shastina. With the south facing Cascadian Gulch still being filled with snow we made our way up the Hidden Valley. It would be both scenic and offer a great alternative to the standard Shasta ski tours.
Lasen Peak
05-17-2009
With the weather being better the further south we went we were soon on the slopes of Lassen Peak National Park. With the only parking lot being on the South Side we made our way up and skied numerous different aspects before calling it a day.
Mount Mazama
05-18-2009
Making our way back North we decided to do a scenic day off of Crater Lake National Park. At the moment the rim road was still closed but most of it was now plowed out. Working our way between concrete and snow covered slopes we were able to ride a few different lines in stunning scenery.
Mount Yamsay
05-19-2009
With the weather looking better the further East we went we decided to check out Mount Yamsay. This was both Amar and my first time on the slopes and we decided to see if there was anything worth skiing. While it was much mellower then its Western neighbors it was still a great ski non the less.
Mount Scott
05-20-2009
With Crater Lake being your backdrop it is hard to go wrong with a ski tour. After a great day on Mount Mazama we focused our attention on the slopes of Mount Scott. We would be approaching via the west side and ski 3 different bowls throughout the day.
Middle Sister
05-21-2009
With three good days of weather Amar and i came up with the plan to go camping in Three Sisters Wilderness. Starting on the Eastern side we set up camp before climbing the South Ridge. Though it would be done later in the day the aspect was perfect for late afternoon turns.
South Sister
05-22-2009
With aour camp set up on the Northeast slopes of the South Sister we made the plan to climb via the West side. Once on the summit the idea was to descend back to camp via the Prouty Glacier in the early morning sun. This would be our last tour in Oregon so we wanted to get back on the road early in the day.
Mount Rainier
05-24-2009
With a solid weather window in Washington we decided to finish our trip on Mount Rainier. The plan was to climb up via the Ingraham Glacier before descending down the Furher Thumb. In all it would be almost 11,000 feet of ski descent.
Mount Adams
06-02-2009
After riding the Southwest chutes area of Mount Adams the past few years it was time to head for a different route. Wanting to check out different options we climbed up via the Mazama Glacier. Although mellow it was a nice alternative to the busy standard route.
Broken Top
06-22-2009
With the snow melting out fast Jon Garrison and I made our way back to Oregon for my third trip of the season. The first tour we focus on the north slopes of Broken Top hoping to find an area not melted out.
Diamond Peak
06-23-2009
With the list running short of volcanoes left our attention went onto Diamond Peak. Finally the roads were melted out allowing access into Diamond Peak Wilderness. With limited options we made our way in via the Northwest side crawling through dense vegetation before riding the northern slopes.
Mount Mcloughlin
06-24-2009
Sometimes lines take you by surprise and this was the case after climbing the south side of Mount Mcloughlin. Once on the top I was instantly wanting to ride down the northeast face to the valley below. Though it would add on numerous miles I would be able to make my way back on summer trails.
North Sister
06-26-2009
Making my way back to Three Sisters Wilderness I was soon ski touring with Buell and Ari on the east side of the North Sister. Our plan was to head in and ski the Early Morning Couloir before heading back on the road. Being steep and late in the season I was a bit too late and was fortunate to make my way our of the tour in one piece.
Mount Hood
06-27-2009
Making our way back towards Washington State Ari and I decided to go ski Mount Hood. By now I had already skied the Old Chute Route twice so we decided to head for the Wyeast face. Although it was late in the season we were able to skin most of the way following groomer trails at Mount Hood Meadows.
Mount Baker
06-29-2009
Finnish of the road trip on the Northern Border of Washington State I was climbing and riding the Easton Glacier on Mount Baker. With the south side normally being the area that the snowmobiles ride on we made our way out once the road melted out. Not only was it a good alternative to the Coleman Glacier I would almost say that it is a better ski.
Glacier Peak
06-30—-7/05-2009
With Glacier Peak being my favorite volcano in the Cascade Range I decided to head out to it via the Dakobed Range. This trip would take us 6 days through some of the better terrain in Washington State. It was the perfect way to make our way up Glacier Peak as well as see new terrain along the way.
Mount Washington
07-07-2009
With it being my forth trip back down to Oregon it was time to tick off the last ski tours in Oregon. After working for Buell a few days it was time to head for Mount Washington. With the summit spire being rock we made our way around the mountain and skied a few different aspects.
Three Fingered Jack
07-08-2009
Being early July the plan was to just find a slope to ski on Three Fingered Jack. Not only was most of the snow melted off but it was also bad weather as I climbed up just looking to make a few ski turns. With a bit of imagination I soon found a snow covered bowl and made the most out of it.
Mount Jefferson
07-09-2009
Wanting to spend a few days exploring Mount Jefferson I made my way out via the Northwest side. Camping at the shores of Jefferson Lake I wrapped around the mountain spotting numerous opportunities for ski descents.
Old Snowy
07-013-2009
Being late in the season this was my last trip heading out to Goat Rocks Wilderness to ride Old Snowy. Following the Pacific Crest Trail I was soon standing on the Northern Slopes battling both the heat and the bugs. It was the perfect way to finish my goal snowboarding 25 different volcanoes in the Cascade Range.
