This is definitely one of my favorite’s places to go snowshoeing. You might remember that I tried this route clockwise several times without being able to find a way to come down Barlow Butte. Finally, about a year ago (or more) I tried the loop but going counterclockwise on a low snow day. That day we were able to find a route and complete that elusive circuit I wanted to do. Better yet, I was able to map it so I could do it again. This time that was my intention but weather was not cooperating much. The day was gray and cold and dark. Yet we were able to find our way to the butte albeit not the normal way. At some point we veered farther north than intended to so we ended up going straight up on the north face of the frozen ridge. It was a bit exhilarating as the slopes were completely frozen. It made the whole thing feel like a true mountaineering experience. The weirdest thing was that the slope was not a big sheet of ice but rather a slope covered with small ice pellets. At points it felt as we were going up a scree slope. Once we reached the Butte, we were able to find our way, the normal way, and continue on to the south side. Incredibly enough, that side looked much better as we could see clearly all the way to Jefferson under a cloud ceiling. The rest of the loop continued as usual navigating on the ridge and then finding our way down to the Barlow Ridge road.
Interactive map
To see the full map, click Menu and select Full Screen. You can also click Terrain to change the map style
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