Mount Ruth is one of those mountains you pass by in pursuit of the bigger line right next to it. Situated in Glacier Basin next to the Interglacier kept saying I’d like to ski it one day. A few springs back I was able to ride it in good conditions but it definitely wasn’t winter conditions. While doing a ski tour out to the Interglacier in the beginning of January it had caught my attention once again. The Northeast couloir is a striking line and finally it was time to head out there with Jason Hummel and Boot.

A Little Bit of Info about Ruth Mountain

Mount Ruth is an 8,690 ft peak located on the eastern side of Mount Rainier National Park. It is situated between the Interglacier and the Emmons Glacier and can be accessed via Glacier Basin Trail. It is named after Ruth Knapp who was the daughter of a prospector who had built the Knapp’s Cabin once in Glacier Basin. Before the area was a National Park it was a mining area and some of the reminisce can be found in the area still.

Making our Way Through Glacier Basin

It was our second time heading up the White River road as we followed our snowmobile tracks which left behind a half foot deep trench. We made quick progress arriving at the White River Campground in the early day. Since it was January the air was cold and our time was short. The storm that had fallen earlier in the week was a cold one so we knew the slopes surrounding Glacier Basin were in great condition. We had already broken trail up the basin earlier in the week heading out to the Interglacier so we made fast progress up the trail. Once in the basin we cut left off of our skin track and started heading for Mount Ruth.

The Northeast couloir had grabbed our attention and we decided that this day would be the perfect time. There was no wind and more importantly no wind transport. The hopes were that the line would be blower powder from top to bottom.

Soon enough we had gained the ridge and had another 1000 feet before gaining the summit of Mount Ruth. On our left the slopes dropped dramatically to the Emmons Glacier. There were a few clouds here and there but if the forecast held up there would be no worries about being swallowed by clouds.

Heading up the Ridge to the Summit of Mount Ruth

Before long Mount Rainier and the upper Emmons Glacier were on full display. We took turns breaking trail as we took in the views surround us. Finally Wrapping to the upper slopes the snow had changed consistency being a wind swept ridge. We were a bit concerned but knew that these conditions didn’t represent the line we had come to ride.

As we got closer to the summit a massive cloud started heading up the valley. It was below us and it seemed that it was going to swallow the surround area. We were already near the summit so we kept on moving knowing if it got bad we could go with plan B. Plan B was riding down the Interglacier.

As we made it to the top of Mount Ruth we were happy to see the clouds burn off. We transitioned with a sigh of relief taking in the views from our summit. We weren’t sure if the snow was going to be good as we hoped. From our vantage point we could see the first hundred feet were wind affected.

Dropping into the Northeast Face of Mount Ruth

After 20 minutes it was time to get going. Since it was early January and the darkest part of the year we only had a few hours of lift left. Dropping in the first few turns were firm as the wind had beaten down the slopes and powder was nowhere to be found.

But after around 10 turns the snow started to improve quickly. All we needed to do was get off the top ridge and all of a sudden the snow was nice and smooth. It wasn’t as deep and unconsolidated as we hoped but we weren’t in the gully yet.

As soon as we made it into the gully conditions improved dramatically. Finally we were riding unconsolidated powder and throwing up snow with every turn. This is how I hoped the snow would be and I was excited to make it towards the steep chute below.

Dropping into the Chute

Once we made it to the main chute Boot decided to make it down the main chute while Jason and I took the tighter couloir. Spotting where it went was a bit tricky as it was over a blind roller. Finally we spotted the line and Jason went down first. After he was in a safe spot I made my way into the line and a small slab went off. I was fortunate to cautiously drop in so it didn’t drag me but it had put me on edge. Soon enough I had made it through the choke and conditions improved once again dramatically.

The lower apron was massive and long as we rode as fast as we could. We needed to catch as much speed as possible to make it as far as we could down the Glacier Basin Trail. For Jason it wouldn’t be an issue but both Boot and I were snowboarders.

Fortunately the trail down Glacier Basin was good as we had stomped in the skin track for a second time. After a few brief steps off the board we were able to make our way to the snowmobile with the sun still out. This time around we didn’t have to snowmobile the 16 miles back to the Snowmobile park with the aid of headlamps. It was a great day riding the Northeast chute of Mount Ruth.

In Conclusion

While mostly over looked in route to the Interglacier it is a fun line to ride. It can be easily done in both corn snow as well as powder conditions. The trick is to get there when the snow level is low enough or the sun has warmed it up just perfect. It’s a great alternative to the Interglacier if you’ve passed it numerous times or are looking for a shorter trip.

Here is a short video I made of the trip

Thank you for reading our trip out to Mount Ruth this and want to see more ski tours within Mount Rainier Backcountry check out this link