Over July 4th weekend of 2005, Jamie, Nick, Cyrus, Phillipe and I embarked on a road trip to climb some peaks in the Cascades. This was the first annual climbing "rampage" trip for us, which we have christened "the Cascades Rampage I". Our plan was to climb Hood, the Adams and finally Rainier. Unfortunately for me, I had to start my new job on July 5th, so I was only able to go along for the climb of Mount Hood.

Rather than climb the crowded South Side Route, we opted to climb the more interesting Sunshine Route, which traverses the mountain from North to South--with the help of Timberline Mountain Guides.

The first day we established our high camp at 8,500 ft, overlooking the Eliot Glacier. We then made an alpine start the following morning. Instead of traversing right to the east ridge and then making our way to the top, which is the traditional way to climb the Sunshine Route, instead we went straight up the steep north face. From there we traversed the top portion of the east ridge and to the summit. That last traverse (pictured) is probably the most beautiful climbing I have ever done.

The funny thing about this climb was that, when we got to the summit, we realized Cyrus wasn't there. It turned out he bailed at the last minute and didn't en make the trip. Oh well, he was there in spirit. Next year Cyrus!

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