SEWS

Last weekend Nate Tack and I climbed the Direct East Buttress of South Early Winter Spire (III+, 5.10, A0) in the North Cascades. We began our climb at 3:30 am in the Fairhaven bus station and proceaded to the Horseshoe Cafe for some breakfast. By 7am we were at the Washington Pass turn-off and ascended the scree to the base of the route by 9am.

The route ascendes a line up the middle of the grey face on the left spire and descendes the opposite side down the South Arete.


Me Leading pitch 3


Nate leading pitch 4


The Hanging Belay


Nate on the Summit Traverse


Me on the summit pyramid


This was a stellar climb in an stunning setting in the middle of the High Cascades. The views are amazing and the climbing interesting. We had purfect weather, which made for a great outing. Thanks to Nate for his bold leads on pitch 7 which was the crux of the route. A perfect day in the Mountains.