Mt. Whittier, Norway Pass Traverse

Activity Notes

Mt Whittier, in the Mt Margaret Backcountry, is classified as a climb due to extreme trail conditions. Our counter-clockwise loop will start with an overgrown trail to beautiful lakes, ascend to views of Mt Adams and Mt Rainier, and then go off-trail to traverse Whittier Ridge. We'll see lots of Mt St Helens and Spirit Lake.

Anyone considering this climb should first study https://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/whittier-ridge-lakes-loop. Successful applicants to this climb will have Mazamas profiles with strong summer 2021 conditioning and a background which includes scrambles in high terrain. Please also consider whether you have no more than a healthy fear of heights.

I recommend leaving Portland at 04:00 Saturday. The drive to Norway Pass trailhead (NW Forest Passes required) is very rough and optimal for higher-clearance AWD vehicles.

We will begin our climb at 07:00 Saturday. As our route is a loop, there is no turnaround time, but we will not turn onto the Whittier Trail after noon. Expect a return to Portland around darkness.

Required gear includes trekking poles and a climbing helmet. Recommended are long pants. A NW Forest Pass is required to park at Norway Pass.