Dates Hiked: 7/10/21-7/11/21

Total Mileage: 13 Miles

Total Elevation Gain/Loss: 4,200’

Red Tape: Wilderness Permit Needed for North Cascades National Park (Icy Zone)

In May, Alex and I attempted to climb Ruth Mountain with the goal to camp on the summit and ski off the following morning. However, if you’ve read my previous blog post you will know that due to snowy navigation difficulties, we did not make it to the summit to camp. We were eventually successful in summiting the following morning, however, we were stuck in a total whiteout. The inclement weather made for a disappointing summit experience and I returned home with a feeling of unfinished business. I attempted to summit and ski off Ruth Mountain again a couple weeks later, but again was thwarted by the weather. I returned home from that trip frustrated, but not defeated.

Alex and I decided that we would wait until the height of summer, when the weather would presumably be more stable, and attempt to camp on the summit again. We decided that the clear forecast for the weekend of July 10-11 looked promising and set out with our backpacks full of overnight and glacier travel gear (but no skis this time!)

We were amazed to find that the trail was significantly easier to navigate when it is entirely clear of snow. We made it to Hannegan Pass in less than half the time it took in May. The Ruth Arm was also much clearer so we made it to the summit in just over five hours, with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the views.

When we made it to the top I could barely believe my eyes. I had known that the views from the summit were grand, but when I took those final steps my expectations were blown away. From the top we had unparalleled views of Mount Shuksan, Icy Peak, Seahpo Peak, the Pickets, Whatcom Peak, Mount Challenger, and even the vague outlines of Glacier Peak and Mount Rainier. It was a sea of peaks for as far as the eye could see.

We had secured a permit to camp in the Icy Zone of North Cascades National Park, where Ruth Mountain resides. We set up camp at one of the established sites and settled in for the day and I spent the entire afternoon just soaking in the scenery.

As the day wore on, I couldn’t help but reflect on our past trip. To say I was disappointed when we were standing on the summit in a cloud would be an understatement. However, I now realize that if we had summited that day it’s likely we would have considered that a success and checked Ruth Mountain off our list (for now) in order to visit other places. That means we would have missed out on this return trip.

The sunset and sunrise were full of colorful skies and clear views. I’m always grateful for my time in the mountains, but this trip felt extra special because it took a few attempts before we finally succeeded, but the wait was more than worth it. It was a reminder that while sometimes it feels like things aren’t working out, in reality, something better might be right on the horizon.

To read more about this experience, please check out this piece I wrote for the Journal of Lost Time: https://thejournaloflosttime.com/stories/the-will-of-ruth.