Looking at Johannesburg Mountain and the CJ Couloir

There is something really special about the North Cascades abundant steep, glaciated slopes. After spending too much time in the resort, I had to get out and take advantage of our endemic topography. To further tip the scales of persuasion, sunshine and stable avy conditions were predicted. Scott and I were off to North Cascades National Park and found ourselves at the base of the CJ Couloir!

We decided to head up the Cascade River Road to Cascade Pass. Driving up we passed the Eldorado Trailhead before running into a gate a few miles below Sahale Peak. Getting out of the car we started putting together our gear without an intended goal. Fortunately from our spot we had numerous options as we briefly looked at the map. With our bags loaded with gear I realized that I had a problem, I forgot my skins.

What to do When You Forget Your Skins


Without skins our options were limited and we knew it. Looking at our gear we both had crampons so at least the day wouldn’t be a complete wash. Looking to the west we had a clear view of the CJ Couloir on Johannesburg Mountain. Rising over 3,00 feet from the valley floor it would be our best option.

Looking at our ascent and descent route on the CJ Couloir

We walked up the road for less then a mile before it was time to descend into the valley. Within 20 minutes our crampons were on and we were climbing the apron. Looking up the CJ Couloir it was intimidating but as straightforward as you could ask for. With a strong wind heading down Cascade Pass we made our way past avalanche debris.

Our first steps into the valley littered with avalanche debris led us to realize that this was no place for skins, so we switched to bootpacking and crampons for the climb.

climbing from the Cascade Pass road in the North Cascades
We have a long climb ahead of us all the way to the col

Heading up the CJ Couloir on Johannesburg Mountain

As we made our way towards the top the route got steeper and steeper. Before long we were at the base of the crux of the route. Frozen waterfalls marked the point where we would either have to turn back or push through. As we climbed conditions were decently firm making for great climbing. While we hoped there would be snow up high the lack of accumulation made us feel better about avalanches.

Climbing up the CJ Couloir
Climbing though the crux of the CJ Couloir

Soon enough we passed the crux and the slopes mellowed out a bit. What was firm snow below quickly changed to knee deep snow. A step at a time we had a clear view of the col above. While every step got us closer it always felt like we were never getting any closer. By now we had been in the shade for hours and our main focus was getting in the sun.

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So close yet still so far

Before long I arrived at the top of the CJ Couloir. Looking back Scott was taking his final steps with our line in clear view. Our route was as direct as you could ask for and in exchange our run would be too. It had been a battle climbing the face as there wasn’t a second of rest. We had been climbing on our front points and finally we could rest our legs.

Our final steps up the CJ Couloir on Johannesburg Mountain with Cascade Pass and the Cascade River Road below
The final steps to the top of our line

Snowboarding Down the CJ Couloir on Johannesburg Mountain

As we transitioned we were both excited and nervous. We had 3,000 feet of continuous slopes below us all the way to the valley. Dropping in we were happy with the struggle through the powder. Finally we were making turns in knee deep and stable snow on the upper face.

Snowboarding down the CJ Couloir
Dropping in to find a foot of stable snow

By now it was starting to get later in the day but after 10 minutes we would be in the valley. What had taken us hours was descended in minutes. Each five steps was a single powder turn. While we had hoped it would be good it was much better then we expected.

Finding great snow while skiing down the CJ Couloir on Johannesburg Mountain
Making our way back down towards the crux area

Knowing that the couloir we climbed was ice we finally decided to had towards the northern chute. Looking down it was steep and intimidating as we weren’t sure it would be powder. Riding the first few turns we couldn’t feel ice underneath. Taking it slow we made our way down a turn at a time. Once in the gut it switched from powder to a few inches on firm conditions. Fortunately it was only a few hundred feet and soon we were riding the apron to the valley below.

Finding powder in the North Cascades of Washington
The final steep chute before the valley below

In Conclusion

While I had made the mistake of forget my skins it was a great day. We probably would have passed the CJ Couloir but with limited options it was the only place to go. Over time it has been rewarding to walk by and know I’ve skied the line. It is possibly one of the most aesthetic lines within the North Cascades.

Thank you for reading this trip in the CJ Couloir on Johannesburg Mountain. If you want to see more ski tours within the the Highway 20 corridor check out this link.