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Route Description

We will start at the Snow Lake Trailhead.  We will then follow the hiking trail (or head cross-country if the trail is obscured by snow).  Once we reach Snow Lake, we will take another short break to switch group gear and put on helmets.  We will then head into the bowl towards an increasingly steep snow chute.  When the slope warrants it, everyone will be required to equip their ice axes.  At the top of the snow chute, reaching a saddle, we will then turn left (east) up a short steep step and continue hiking eastwards just south of the broad ridge crest to the top of the dome.  We will then traverse behind a slightly shorter sub-summit and approach the summit block from the south side.  We will assess the conditions near the summit block and carefully traverse to the easier routes on the right side.  The climb leader will ascend the summit block on-belay, setting up a fixed line.  The team will ascend 50’ on a fixed line to the summit and the assistant will be belayed up last; cleaning the route.  The team will then enjoy the beautiful views of the Tatoosh Range/Traverse to the south and the majestic south slopes of Mt Rainier to the north.  We will then rappel from the summit, collect ourselves at the base of the summit block, and reverse our route.  Once transitioning from the upper ridge to the top of the snow bowl, if conditions warrant it, we will glissade down to Snow Lake.  From Snow Lake will make the short hike out to the trailhead.