Backcountry Ski/Snowboard - Rat Trap Pass

TBA

Please request leaders' permission via link at right before registering. We are curious to know about your preparation, equipment, experience, etc., to ensure everyone's safety & fun. Given the complexity of this trip we think it's appropriate for you to have AIARE Level 1 (or Canadian equivalent) rather than just avalanche awareness.

Trip plan

Subject to revision depending on weather, conditions, or other circumstances trip leaders deem relevant. Distance/elevation gain listed in this post is only an ESTIMATE. We will be making decisions as a group.

• Day ski tour -we will aim to park at snow line on Forest Road 27
• Skin up FR 27 approx. 2.5 miles, passing FR 2710 (Crystal Creek Road) along the way
• Head west/northwest into trees to angle uphill towards saddle with meadows
• Guidebook suggests going climber's left once you reach meadow area
• Possibly do more than 1 lap of the meadow
• Retrace our route back to FR 27 and vehicles

Driving Directions

From Darrington, drive southeast on State Route 530 (Mountain Loop Highway) for 9 miles before turning left (east) onto Forest Road 23, White Chuck River Road. Continue east on FR 23 for 5 miles, then cross White Chuck River. Drive .3 miles after the river crossing to the junction with Forest Road 27, turn left. There is a wide area for parking at this junction, or depending on conditions you can continue driving northerly on FR 27 until you reach the snow line.

Resources

• Darrington Ranger District
• Rat Trap Pass Caltopo map: https://caltopo.com/map.html#ll=48.20386,-121.39695&z=14&b=ter
• Rat Trap Pass weather forecast