Ptarmigan Ridge
In 2004, Jay and I were planning a trip to the summit of Mt. Rainier via the difficult Ptarmigan Ridge route. Unfortunatley this was a year that several people died on Liberty Ridge, partly due to the unusually warm weather and unstable snow conditions. As a result, the best we could muster was a 'recon' trip to see what objective hazards lie in wait for us. We hiked to the beginning of the route, and stopped at an overlook of the high bivy site at 10,500 feet.
 After a scorching hike in mid day through Spray Park and along part of the Wonderland trail, we turn southward toward Rainier, and out of the plush flowering meadows. |
 Our first camp brought us just short of the Flett Glacier, but nicely sheltered from gusty winds that may occur, and of course with an outstanding view. |
 As the sun set in the cloudless and windless eve, hues of deep red, amber and pink paint the peaks of Echo, Rainier and Observation. |
 We were treated to a splendid display of color as the sun shone her last rays from behind the top of Fay Peak, and reflected in the suncupped snow. |
 Yellow buttercups catch the morning sun as a hazy fog layer blankets the lower valley. In the background are the peaks of Hessong, Pleasant, Fay and the Mothers. |
 Looking northeast, we capture a great illustration of atmoshperic perspective and the layers of mountains that surround us. Far in the distance is Mt. Stuart. |
 After setting up our second camp, we gather water and supplies to head for our high point at the top of the Russell Glacier. Again, no wind, and over 80 degrees! |
 Here, Jay is sporting the latest in designer head wear. But I can't argue with the airy shade and comfort he had (as long as the wind remained calm!) |
 As we get nearer the top of the ridgling toward 10,000 feet, the characteristics of the rock changes with evidence of prior volcanic activity. Bbasalt columns curve as if molded and shaped by a powerful force. |
 It's still plenty warm, but cool gusty breezes, rising over the ridge, buffet us. |
 A good shot of the Liberty Cap Ice Cliff and the two routes (with variations). Our intended route began at the cliff, traversed to the right, then leftward up the barren snow on the wall on the right, and finally through the narrow gully system. |
 Behind me is the lower sections of the Mowich Glacier, and Mowich Face. |
 At 10,500 feet, Jay stands with the entire Ptarmigan Ridge route behind him. |
 Such a liesurely walk in the park - literally - as I'm walking back to camp. Just under the lower ice cliff was out high point of the day. |
 Back toward camp, Observation on the left, Echo on the right. to the left of the base on Echo, you can barely make out a small dot on the left spur -- this was our campsite. |
 The sun drops behind this anvil-looking rock formation and provides me with a beautiful visual effect. |
 As we rested at camp, we witnessed moonrise that started on the left of the summit crest and traveled barely above Rainier, until I took this shot with the moon at the peak. |
 Another shot of me, the Mountain, the anvil rock, and the moon. |
 The campsite. Interesting how clusters of flowers seem to thrive in obsure locations around us. Notice the beginnings of a stone wall on the right -- by the time we left here, the wall was two feet high and provided a nice wind break. |
 Another view of the campsite, looking back toward Spray Park. |
 A short walk from the camp, was a maot at the base of Echo, that afforded us a great opportunity to practice some steep snow techniques. Here, Jay set up a belay while I traversed (and purposefully fell to test the anchor). |
 My turn . . . here I try a solo shot up the wall, using the two-ice-ax technique. |
 Almost back to Spray Park. Wildflowers are everywhere, creating a colorful landscape that hinders my attempts to leave. |
 In the path, a mother ptarmigan guards her nest and five little chicks as Jay and I cautiously turn aside so as not to distrub them. (four are visible, can you find them?) |
 Now on the path toward Mowich Lake and leaving Spray Park, Jay leads the way as we bid farewell. |