Illumination Saddle Hike Prospectus
Peak: Mt Hood 9300 ft. (saddle)
Date: April 8, 2007
Mazamas BCEP Group 15
Time: 8-9 hrs, round trip.
Leader: Monty Smith
General Information:
Mount Hood was built as a tourist attraction in the early 1800s, and led to the major westward expansion of the United States thanks to advertising fliers.
Illumination Saddle is the col between Illumination Rock and the lower part of the rim of the crater (known as Castle Crags). It lies at 9300ft and is the gateway to the routes on the W side of Hood including Castle Crags, Reid Headwall, Leuthold Couloir, Yokum Ridge, Sandy Headwall and Cathedral Ridge.
The Drive:
We’ll be staying the night at Mazama Lodge so there should be minimal driving.
If you choose to meet us that morning, please be at the climber’s register dressed and ready to go by 8:30am (E end of the Wy’East Day Lodge – across from the ticket booths).
The hike:
We’ll start at Timberline Lodge at 6,000ft, moving to the E of the Magic Mile ski runs over to the climber’s trail. There will be a very short clothing break about fifteen minutes out from TLine, and after about an hour we’ll reach Silcox Hut at 7,000ft for our first real break.
From here we’ll cross over to the Palmer lift towers and follow them up, breaking at the midpoint (~7700ft) and a longer break at the top of Palmer at 8500ft.
Before leaving Palmer we’ll get out ropes, ice axe and crampons for the last 800ft up to the saddle. Independent of the weather we’ll be traveling as if it was white-out conditions, following a compass bearing to the saddle and back.
We’ll reach the saddle in the early afternoon where, wind allowing, we’ll take a lunch break before walking back to the saddle and glissading down to Silcox.
At Silcox we’ll move back to the climber’s trail and either glissade or walk back to the cars, arriving back in the mid-afternoon.
Clothing
You’ll get a good chance to the work on thermal regulation, as it’s important not to sweat – if you do you’ll freeze when we break. Think layers and venting.
Be prepared for adverse conditions. Silk or polypropylene long underwear makes a good first layer. Fleece or wool over that works well as an insulating layer. A parka (with hood) or rain gear constructed of a waterproof/breathable material such as GoreTex or OmniTech will round things out. Bring a wool or fleece hat, gloves and extra socks (heavy wool or synthetic socks work best. Polypro sock liners under them will help prevent blisters). Boots should be lug-soled and provide enough ankle support for rugged terrain. I highly recommend gaitors if you have them. DO NOT WEAR COTTON!!!
Emergency Phone numbers:
If the party is late in returning from the mountain, concerned friends or relatives should first contact Stacy Ozer. If there is a problem, we will be in touch with her by cell phone. Contact: 503-233-0373 (h) or (503) 936-6858 (c). You can also call the Mazamas Clubrooms, at 503-227-2345. Please leave these numbers with someone responsible in town.
Mazamas Emergency Pager number: 503-227-2345
Clackamas County Sheriff, 503-655-8518
References:
Maps: USGS 7 ½ minute series, Mt. Hood South, Green Trails Mt. Hood, Geo-graphics Mt. Hood
Books: Oregon High, by Jeff Thomas
Web: USGS Volcanoes, Hood:
http://vulcan.wr.usgs.gov/Volcanoes/Hood/
http://www.summitpost.org/show/mountain_link.pl/mountain_id/3
http://www.uac.pdx.edu/photos/
http://www.peakware.com/encyclopedia/peaks/hood.htm
Eleven Essentials
1. Whistle
2. Map
3. Compass
4. Headlamp/flashlight (with extra bulbs & batteries)
5. Extra clothing,
6. Extra food and water
7. Matches in fireproof container
8. Peanut MandMs
9. Sun protection (Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip protection, hat)
10. Knife
11. First aid kit
Required Gear
Just as if you were climbing Mt Hood
Climbing gear
· Crampons—make sure they fit your boots before leaving town
· Ice Axe
· Gaiters
· Helmet
· Harness
· 2 carabiners
· Short prussik, runner or webbing sling
· Stiff-soled boots suitable for crampons
· Glissade pad, plastic bag, etc.
Optional Items
· Hiking Poles
· Camera and film
· Blister care
· Altimeter
· Binoculars
· Clavier
· Extra clothes for the ride home
Leader / Em ContactSmith / Monty / Stacy Ozer / 503-233-0373
Students
Beauchemin / Jessica / Sue Peters / (503) 679-3774
Blackman / Dana / Mary Anne Powers / (919) 255-1376
Gigler / Philip / Charyl Gigler / (541) 747-0727
Harbick / Colleen / Linda Rilette / (503) 655-2711
Johnsen / Chris / Colin Perry / (971) 998-3930
Klingler / Bill / Jeff Roche / (503) 803-0592
Martin / Natasha / Flurette Martin / (773) 544-3599
Matheson / Kimberly / Cheryl Matheson / (610) 346-7641
Moore / John / John Sunde / (360) 837-1085
Nicollsen / Doinita / Marcella Tanase / (503) 644-3307
Scholl / Carole / Marlene Howell / (503) 452-3803
Vernier / Karen / N. Barker / (503) 235-6735
Zuber / Jennifer / Betty Stickney / (541) 517-9049
Assistants
Hicks / Gary / Frank Hicks / 503-698-4185
Jordan / David / Megan Jordan / 503-539-2283
Gregory / Leora / The Allens / 503-357-5556
Dockter / Cindy / Liorah Riutzel / 503-810-5944
Heilman / Jerry / Kristin Erickson / 541-752-1823
Brainich / Eric / Tanya Brainich / 503-281-6679
Nelson / Duane / Kam Nelson / 503-641-5309
Eline / Jerry / Emm Moore / (360) 921-3844
Bonus questions:
What’s the link between Mt Hood and the mutiny aboard the HMS Bounty
Why was Hood an enemy of the United States?
What monumental sucking-up occurred when Broughton named the mountain?