Linking both the Cowlitz Glacier and the Nisqualy Chute is possible to descend in a single run. With the Glacier being just east of Camp Muir and the Nisqually chute southwest it would give is completely different aspects and snow conditions. This really wasn’t the plan as we were interested in a full descent of the Cowlitz Glacier but with the crux being littered in Crevasses we decided to go with plan B. It would be a unique run in Mount Rainier National Park linking two great ski lines.
After numerous days of snow showers with freezing levels hovering around 5000 feet we finally had a break in the weather. The forecast for Friday was calling for a break in weather and partly sunny skies which was a welcome change. With all the new snow accumulation on the upper slopes Amar, Dan and I decided to head up to the Paradise area. As we drove up we noticed that the Tatoosh Range was in the clouds while Mount Rainier was in the sunshine. With that in mind it was an easy discussion to head towards the Muir Snowfield.
Heading up to Camp Muir via Paradise Visitor Center
Once making it to Glacier Vista we had a great view of the Nisqually Chute and noticed a nice ramp on the skiers right side. Above it the upper routes looked to be in great conditions. From our vantage point we could see the Kautz Glacier on the right, The Fuhrer Finger and Fuhrer Thumb, the Nisqually Glacier and the Gib Chute.
While heading up the Muir Snowfield we were happy to be in the sun and have no winds. Behind us we could see that the Tatoosh Range was still covered in clouds and seemed like it wouldn’t burn off. There was an inversion going on withing the Puget Sound area and it looked like an ocean of clouds.
Heading to Cathedral Gap via the Cowlitz Glacier
After arriving at Camp Muir we rested for around a half hour before running into Eli. With it being such a nice day we skinned over to Cathedral gap. From there we had the plan to ski down the Cowlitz glacier all the way to the base as it seemed like it had the best snow.
Once on Cathedral Gap we had a perfect view of the Ingraham Glacier climbing route up Mount Rainier. It seemed like it would have been a great day to summit but at the moment we were enjoying the sun as we transitioned for our descent.
Off to the east we could see Mount Aix as it was in the rain shadow. With big west facing swaths off Nelson ridge looked to be in amazing conditions for ski touring.
Skiing Down the Cowlitz Glacier
Soon enough it was time to start descending our planned route. We would drop into the Cowlitz Glacier and go as far as possible before skinning back to Paradise. We all dropped into the low angle slopes at the same time ripping in the few inches of soft snow.
After a few turns we had wrapped around the Beehive and were riding next to massive ice chunks. The snow on the Cowlitz Glacier was much better then the Muir Snowfield.
The glacier was buried with a deep spring snowpack as the crevasses were few and far between. After 1,500 feet of riding we regrouped and confirmed that the line was so fun that we would keep going.
Plan B Heading Towards the Nisqualy Chute
Soon we made our way over to the steep roller of the Cowlitz Glacier. We couldn’t see the crevasses below and decided it was time to traverse. We were still high enough to make it over to the Nisqually Chute so we started the mile long side hill over the Paradise Glacier and Muir Snowfield.
With my legs burning from a long toe side traverse we were finally on top of the Nisqually Chute. We were just high enough that we would have to hike up at all and easily spotted it.
Instead of dropping into the main gut like on a previous trip we made a small variation checking out a ramp to the right. It was amazing standing on top of the line and looking at a sea of clouds in the valley below.
Dropping into the Nisqually Chute Variation
One at a time we dropped into the Nisqually Chute variation and the snow was as good as we hoped. Unlike the Cowlitz Glacier there were no crevasses as we could ride it with confidence. The snow was stable and not moving on the upper face.
Once Dan was at a safe spot near the bottom Amar dropped in and made his way towards the Nisqually Glacier below.
Near the bottom the snow had softened up quite a bit and had become grabby. It was fun to look back up at our ski tracks just left of the main chute from the Nisqually Glacier Moraine.
Heading Back up to Paradise Visitor Center after Linking the Cowlitz Glacier and the Nisqually Chute Variation.
Since the snow was rapidly deteriorating we decided that instead of riding down to the Nisqually Bridge we would instead skin up to Alta Vista and back towards Paradise. With an additional track up the ramp in the middle of the photo below we would have a final 1,000 foot run back to Paradise Visitor Center. After an hour we were back at the car and happy with a fun day. Though we weren’t able to ride all of the Cowlitz Glacier we were able to have a great plan B with the Nisqually Chute variation.
While it was a long traverse over the Paradise Glacier it was possible to link up both lines. I don’t know if I recommend this for snowboarders but it is possible and always good to have a plan B. It was a great day Making the most out of the Paradise area backcountry. This ski tour connected two classic runs in Mount Rainier National Park.
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