Cannon Mountain and the Icicle Creek area right outside of Leavenworth, Washington, is in my opinion, a diamond in the rough. With peaks in every direction reaching over 8000′, and dry Eastern Washington snow, this area, though relatively unknown, is in many ways a backcountry mecca.

And, this region is Scott McAlister’s personal stomping ground. As you can imagine, I was more than happy to join him for a venture in the area. After a brief discussion, we set our sights on Cannon Mountain, with its aesthetic north-facing couloir.

We skinned up an abandoned logging road around slide alder and land slides until reaching the wide open north ridge. A burn from multiple years ago left the slopes scarred and easily skinable, so we quickly put switchbacks in.

The elevation went fast, following old skin tracks before making our way to the base of the couloir.

While the line was aesthetic, it was also icy and avy-scoured. However, we were optimistic that better conditions might be found up higher. The tool of choice remained crampons and ice axes as we climbed higher and higher. Avy-scored slopes gave way to completely bulletproof ice.

We considered the likelihood that any of the couloir’s would be anything but ice, and found the chances to be slim. Instead, we opted to ride a mellow northwest-facing ridge in hopes of soft sun-affected snow instead.

Once reaching the summit ridge, views of Mount Stuart and the Sherpa Glacier were to the west. To the East we could see the 8 Mile Lake Area.

Snowboarding down Cannon Mountain

With a quick transition we were riding down through burnt forests until the snow pack ran out 3500 feet below. Down climbing was easy in soft dirt and through lush vegetation until we reached Icicle Creek.

With the spring melt the river was running strong and potential creek crossings were filled in with a raging current. After scouting the creek we found a downed tree, which, though sketchy, we decided would be our best option. We carefully crossed it one at a time.

Cannon Mountain is a part of the gorgeous Stuart Subrange, and this trip will not be the last time I visit the area this season.

Thank you for reading this trip on Cannon Mountain. If you want to see more ski tours within the Stevens Pass Backcountry check out this link.