The Rock, Howard and Mastiff Traverse is a tour near Stevens Pass that links together some of the highest peaks. Starting from the Rock Mountain trailhead and ends at the Merritt Lake Trailhead. It’s a west to east ski traverse riding the southeast facing slopes of 3 of the biggest peaks on Nason Ridge. This was a tour both Scott and I had been thinking of doing for years. Finally the time came along when it was a early spring day with good snow. It was finally time to put together the topographical lines and see what the area had to offer.
Climbing up the Rock Mountain Trailhead
Arriving at the Rock Mountain trailhead we were excited about the day ahead. There was a small dusting of snow on the trees in the valley. Knowing that the snow would be even better up higher we started making our way up the trail. Switchback after switchback we quickly gained elevation. Before long we were staring at stunning snow covered alpine preparing for our first summit.
After an hour of climbing the summer trail we entered into the alpine. We were immediately excited as we broke trail in chin deep snow and working up the ridge. Looking below us we could see that the riding would be awesome as we could see the snow glistening in the sun.
Dropping off the East Ridge of Rock Mountain
Before long we were standing on the summit and transitioning to riding mode. From our vantage point we could see most of the Rock, Howard and Mastiff Traverse. It was a perfectly clear day without winds and we could see most of the North Cascades.
Before long we were taking our first run of the trip riding down the east ridge of Rock Mountain. Watching Scott and Kololo drop in we couldn’t tell which one was more excited. Following the ridge we finally dropped into the southwest bowl of Howard Mountain. Being wide open we enjoyed 1000 feet of powder down to Crescent Lake
After a few minutes of hanging out on the shores in was time to climb up Howard Peak. Putting on our skins we started breaking trail towards our second run. Soon we would be at our halfway point of the trip.
We decided to head directly north before gaining the ridge. Putting in a low angle skin track we were able to gain ground fast. Soon enough our route was in view and we were excited about what was in front of us.
Heading up the West Ridge of Howard Mountain
Before long we gained the west ridge of Howard Mountain. By now the sky was getting a light layer of clouds but we still had perfect visibility. As we climbed we had a great view of the Entiat Range raising out of the North Cascades.
Though the ridge was plastered with firm snow our skins were able to grip well. Looking back we could see the Big Chiwaukum and deep into the Alpine Lakes Wilderness. So far the route had gone as smooth as we could have hoped for.
Looking back towards Rock Mountain our first run was now in the shade. While we were making a good pace the sun was starting to drop. Knowing we still had one more climb we would have to pick up our pace.
On the summit of Howard Mountain we quickly transitioned to ride mode. By now we were halfway through the Rock, Howard and Mastiff Traverse.
A Stunning View From the Summit of Howard Mountain and Our Halfway Point of the Rock, Howard and Mastiff Traverse
From our vantage point we had a clear view of Glacier Peak standing among the mountains.
In front of Glacier Peak we had a clean view of the south face of Whittier Mountain and Indian Head Peak behind it.
To the northeast we could see the Napeequa Valley knowing somewhere in those swaths was the Black Hole Couloir.
Finally it was time to drop into Howard Mountain as we quickly made turns down to Canan Lake. We were now directly north of the Chiwaukum Range and the Swath Chute.
Knowing there was a chance of riding Mount Mastiff in the dark we quickly transitioned. Heading northeast we gained the ridge fast and soon we would be on the summit.
Looking back to the west we could now see the entirety of our last run. While it was mellow it was a fun line and good snow. We had a little over an hour before the sun dropped under the horizon.
Walking near the summit of Mount Mastiff we spotted the great looking couloir heading north. Though there wasn’t any time it looked like something worth returning for. Soon enough we would be on the last summit of the Rock, Howard and Mastiff Traverse.
Our Final Summit of the Trip off Mastiff Mountain
As we made it to the top of our final line the light was glowing over the North Cascades. We had a clear view of the Dakobed Range from Boulder Pass to Thunder Basin. We could barely make out the summit of Bonanza Peak and the Entiat Mountains.
By now Lake Wenatchee was in the shade and it would be minutes before we were as well. Transitioning we dropped down to Lost Lake and knew we had one small climb ahead of us. No matter what we did our final climb would be in the dark and we would be riding by headlamp.
A Hasty Exit to the Rock, Howard and Mastiff Traverse
Riding down to Lost Lake we threw our skins on as fast as possible. We knew a minute in the light was an hour in the dark. There was no time to chat just enough time to move. Within minutes of riding to the shores we were climbing our final col.
We made it to the ridge just as it got dark and put on our headlamps. The next hour was a blur of riding fast and making sure not to hit trees. Everything was a blur as all we could think of was making it to the car. Soon enough there was a sigh of relief as we took turns down the summer trail. Finally we arrived at the car we had left at the trailhead. We were a bit exhausted but mainly happy to have pulled off the traverse. Though it was a long day it was well worth the effort.
Thank you for reading this trip on the Rock, Howard Mastiff Traverse. If you want to see more ski tours within the Stevens Pass Backcountry check out this link.